Background

Diseases of the cardiovascular system such as a heart attack are the most common cause of death worldwide. Due to demographic change, but also due to changes in lifestyle (less exercise, unhealthy diet, etc.), diseases such as diabetes mellitus, disorders of lipid metabolism or high blood pressure, that is diseases that are responsible for a large part of the risk of a heart attack, are also steadily increasing.

Due to these findings, the Gutenberg Health Study was launched in 2007. It is a population-based observational study to investigate risk and protective factors for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, but also for eye diseases, diseases of the immune system, metabolic diseases and cancer. Valuable and more differentiated insights into diseases and factors influencing health can be gained by observing study participants with and without diseases over a longer period of time.

As a second important research focus, the Gutenberg Health Study is dedicated to the question of "What keeps us healthy?". Considering demographic developments and the increasing life expectancy of the German population, answers to this question are of high relevance - both socially and scientifically. This way, the GHS contributes significantly to the improvement of individual risk prediction as well as to the early detection and prevention of diseases.

Goals of the Gutenberg Health Study at a Glance

  • Clarification of causes, correlations and disease courses
  • Improvement of disease risk prediction for individuals
  • Research and further development of diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures
  • Clarification of factors that contribute to a long life of physical and mental health for individuals