Long-Term Exposure to Ionizing Radiation from the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality
Dyussupov A. Shabdarbayeva D. Chaizhunussova N. Orekhov A. Alibayeva G. Baibussinova A. Abenova M. Massabayeva M. Lipikhina A. Abdildinova G. Smailova Z. Apbassova S. Mukanova D. Kozhanova S. Kairkhanov E. Ygiyeva D. Dosmagambetova R. Izdenov A. Pivina L.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
2025#22Issue 12
Background: Environmental problems can significantly influence population health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of death in developed countries including in Kazakhstan. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between exposure to ionizing radiation and mortality risks from major CVDs for the population of Kazakhstan living in areas adjacent to the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS). Materials and Methods: The study of the structure and dynamics of cardiovascular mortality was based on the State Scientific Automated Medical Registry (SSAMR) database. Among members of the exposed group, the median equivalent radiation dose was 864.0 mSv, compared to 64.4 mSv in the control group. It should be noted that almost the entire population of the Semipalatinsk region was exposed to some degree of radiation; however, the Kokpekti district received the lowest radiation doses. Results: Mortality rates from CVD were statistically significantly higher in the radiation-exposed population from 1960 to 1994, with RR fluctuating from 1.118 to 8.7. The predominant mortality events were chronic coronary heart disease, chronic cerebrovascular disease, and hemorrhagic stroke throughout the study period, and acute myocardial infarction within 20 years of the start of nuclear testing. In the exposed group, RR = 10.35 for chronic cerebrovascular disease, RR = 3.56 for hemorrhagic stroke, and RR = 5.77 for peripheral arterial atherosclerosis. A dose of 100–500 mSv increased the risk of mortality from CVD by 3.14 times, and a dose of >600 mSv increased it by 7.05 times. Conclusions: A link has been established between long-term exposure to ionizing radiation and increased risks of mortality from CVD in the population of areas contaminated with radiation as a result of nuclear testing.
cardiovascular mortality , epidemiology , radiation hazards , radioactivity , Semipalatinsk nuclear test site
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University Board, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Therapy Department, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Center of Scientific-Research Laboratory, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
RI of Radiation Medicine and Ecology, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Simulation and Educational Technologies, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Anatomy, Histology and Topographic Anatomy, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Emergency Medicine, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Medical Education, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
University Board
Department of Public Health
Therapy Department
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Center of Scientific-Research Laboratory
RI of Radiation Medicine and Ecology
Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine
Department of Simulation and Educational Technologies
Department of Anatomy
Department of Emergency Medicine
Department of Medical Education
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