Iron overload in hypercholesterolemic rats affects iron homeostasis and serum lipids but not blood pressure

Epidemiologic and experimental data suggest that excess iron may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Because increased LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol and alteration of systolic blood pressure (SBP) have all been implicated as risk factors for atherosclerosis and related CVD, the present study was designed to determine whether excess iron alters serum lipids and SBP in control and hypercholesterolemic rats. Female Fischer rats were divided into four groups. The control group (C) was fed the control diet, the CI group was fed the control diet and given iron dextran injections, the hypercholesterolemic group (H) was fed a 1 g/100 g cholesterol diet, and the HI group was fed the cholesterol diet and given iron dextran injections. The rats were fed the diets for 8 wk and iron dextran injections were given during wk 6 at doses of 10 mg/d for 5 d. Excess iron reduced (P < 0.01) plasma total cholesterol in rats fed the cholesterol diet (5.31 +/- 0.83 and 3.17 +/- 0.31 mmol/L for H and HI, respectively). Excess iron also resulted in a redistribution of cholesterol among the various lipoprotein fractions, with an increase (P < 0.01) in HDL cholesterol (0.56 +/- 0.12 and 0.85 +/- 0.16 mmol/L for H and HI, respectively) and a decrease (P < 0.01) in LDL cholesterol (4.49 +/- 0.77 and 2.09 +/- 0.26 mmol/L for H and HI, respectively). This redistribution also occurred in the rats fed the control diet. The treatments did not affect SBP or heart rate. The high cholesterol diet affected iron homeostasis; group H had lower transferrin saturation than group C (P < 0.01); group HI had a lower serum iron concentration than group CI but did not differ from group H (P < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that if iron has any effect on CVD, it is not through its influence on serum lipids and blood pressure.     

The association between physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children in a five-year follow-up study

The relation between physical fitness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors was studied in 633 children selected from all fourth grades in 37 elementary schools in New York. They were participating in the control group of an intervention study to reduce CVD risk factors in children. Blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and physical fitness were measured at baseline and at four subsequent examinations during five years of follow-up. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline was highest in children with poor physical fitness. The five-year change in physical fitness was inversely associated with the change in SBP, ie, children with the strongest decline in physical fitness showed the largest rise in SBP. HDL cholesterol at baseline was lowest in boys with poor physical fitness. The five-year change in physical fitness was positively related to the change in HDL cholesterol levels in boys; ie, boys with the largest decline in physical fitness had the largest decrease in HDL cholesterol level. These observations indicate that unfavourable long-term changes in physical condition in childhood may be related to unfavourable changes in blood pressure and serum lipids.     

国家最大容许浓度内二硫化碳暴露对血压和心电图的影响

目的 探讨国家最大容许浓度(MAC)内二硫化碳(CS_2)暴露对血压、心电图的影响及其相互之间的关系.方法 根据工种的不同,将化纤厂职工按CS_2接触浓度分为高浓度接触组(821人)、低浓度接触组(259人),工作场所CS_2浓度控制在MAC范围内.随机抽取同期来医院健康体检人员250人作为对照组.测量臂部收缩压、舒张压,计算脉压、平均动脉压,与常规同步12导联静息心电图描记结果 、性别、年龄、工龄、工种、甘油三酯、胆固醇、血糖结果 汇总,分析接触CS_2后血压升高和心电图异常的危险因素,以及它们之间的关系.结果 高、低浓度接触组间及高浓度接触组与对照组间收缩压、舒张压、平均动脉压均数及异常发生率的差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);高、低浓度接触组工人舒张压异常发生率均高于收缩压异常发生率近2倍.工种因素在高收缩压、高舒张压组中是最大的危险因素,高浓度接触的危险度是低浓度接触的2倍多,OR值分别为2.086、2.331.高、低浓度接触组与对照组间心电图异常发生率的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);在低浓度接触组中筛出高收缩压,在高浓度接触组中筛出高舒张压2个OR值(3.531,1.638)较高的危险因素和值得探究的血糖(OR=0.747)保护因素,而低浓度接触的高收缩压组、高浓度接触的高舒张压组又分别筛出工龄、胆固醇等危险因素.与血压相关的心电图左心室高电压诊断在高浓度接触组中仪筛出高舒张压一个危险因素(OR=4.140),在低浓度接触组中仅筛出高收缩压一个危险因素(OR=4.776);在低浓度接触组中高脉压是复极异常的唯一危险因素(OR值达20.417);血糖在起源异常方面是危险因素,而在左心室高电压方面却是保护因素(OR=0.633).结论 CS_2对心血管的损害是一个循序渐进的过程,接触CS_2的早期、或接触浓度很低都会损伤人们的循环系统,在国家MAC内CS_2对心血管的毒性作用仍然随接触时间、接触浓度的增加而增加.CS_2对舒张压的作用大于对收缩压的作用,间接说明CS_2对外周阻力血管的作用可能大于对大动脉的作用.心电网结果 的异常不仅有血压异常后作用于心脏的结果 ,还有CS_2作用于心脏及外周血管的共同表现.     

Mediation and moderation of the association between cynical hostility and systolic blood pressure in low-income women

Hostility may be related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as blood pressure. However, the process by which hostility affects blood pressure is not fully understood. The current study sought to evaluate abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) as a potential mediator and modifier of the relationship between cynical hostility and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a group of disadvantaged women. Path analysis and multiple regression models were used to identify mediating and moderating pathways in the relationship between cynical hostility and SBP. Results indicate a significant interaction between WHR and cynical hostility. WHR was a partial mediator and significant moderator of the association between hostility and blood pressure. These findings highlight the potential importance of examining abdominal obesity and psychosocial factors as conjunctive determinants of CVD and risk factors for related metabolic conditions.     

醋酸铅暴露对雄性大鼠心血管系统功能的影响

目的探讨醋酸铅经口暴露对雄性大鼠心血管系统功能的影响。方法 40只SPF级Wistar雄性大鼠随机分为低、中、高3个醋酸铅剂量组灌胃法染毒(分别给予45、90、180 mg/kg醋酸铅),对照组(灌服等量蒸馏水),每组10只,每周5次,共染毒60 d。每组随机选取6只大鼠,尾袖法测定末次染毒12 h后血压和心率水平;末次染毒24 h后摘眼球收集血液,脱颈处死大鼠,分离心脏和胸主动脉。石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定全血血铅水平;全自动生化分析仪测定外周血血清心肌酶水平;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测外周血血清氧化应激指标GSH、SOD和MDA水平;HE染色法观察大鼠心脏和胸主动脉组织病理学变化。结果染毒之初各组大鼠体重差异无统计学意义,随染毒时间增加,与对照组相比,各染毒组大鼠体重增长量呈下降趋势;各染毒组大鼠血铅水平均显著高于对照组(P0.05),且与染毒剂量呈显著正相关(r=0.614,P0.05);染毒组大鼠收缩压(SBP)水平均显著高于对照组(P0.05),舒张压、平均动脉压和心率在各组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05);中、高剂量染毒组大鼠CKMB和C反应蛋白(CRP)水平显著高于对照组,各染毒组大鼠外周血血清LDH和HBDH水平均显著高于对照组(P0.05),MDA水平显著高于对照组(P0.01),低、中剂量染毒组大鼠GSH水平低于对照组(P0.05);病理组织学检查发现,随醋酸铅染毒剂量的增加,大鼠心肌细胞肥大,胞核染色变深,变形、聚集,排列紊乱,心肌间质增宽,并出现炎细胞浸润,心肌纤维多处肿胀断裂,肌横纹消失;胸主动脉未见明显病理变化。结论醋酸铅暴露可引起雄性大鼠的血压升高、心肌酶谱改变及氧化损伤,直接损伤心肌组织。     

Cardiovascular risk in operators under radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation

The aim of the study was to assess the long-term effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the cardiovascular system. Two groups of exposed operators (49 broadcasting (BC) station and 61 TV station operators) and a control group of 110 radiorelay station operators, matched by sex and age, with similar job characteristics except for the radiofrequency EMR were studied. The EMR exposure was assessed and the time-weighted average (TWA) was calculated. The cardiovascular risk factors arterial pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, smoking, and family history of cardiovascular disease were followed. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the two exposed groups. It was found that the radiofrequency EMR exposure was associated with greater chance of becoming hypertensive and dyslipidemic. The stepwise multiple regression equations showed that the SBP and TWA predicted the high TC and high LDL-C, while the TC, age and abdominal obesity were predictors for high SBP and DBP. In conclusion, our data show that the radiofrequency EMR contributes to adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.     

一氧化氮和一氧化氮合酶在冷应激性高血压形成中的变化

目的研究一氧化氮(NO)及一氧化氮合酶(NOS)在冷应激性高血压(CIH)中的变化情况。方法60只雄性SD大鼠适应性饲养2周后随机分为正常对照组(25±1)℃和寒冷暴露组(4±1)℃,每天暴露4 h,持续6周,每周测量2次大鼠的血压和心率。每组又分为3个小组,分别在暴露第2、4、6周处死,观察其血浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、心肌匀浆NO和NOS水平的变化。结果(1)暴露组大鼠血压从第2周开始明显升高[(94．16±3.81)mm Hg],与对照组[(88．77±4．45) mm Hg]比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0．01);随着暴露时间的延长,血压继续升高,至第6周达到最高,暴露组[(116．78±3．79)mm ng]与对照组[(86．19±2．79)mm Hg]的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);而对照组大鼠血压在整个实验过程中变化不明显。(2)随着血压升高,大鼠血浆SOD活力下降,从第2周持续到第6周,与相应的对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0．05);血浆MDA的水平有所升高,但与对照组相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0．05);心肌NOS活力从第2周开始降低,至第4周与对照组的差异有统计学意义(P<0．01),持续到第6周;心肌NO含量有所降低,但与对照组的差异无统计学意义(P>0．05)。结论寒冷暴露能诱发大鼠CIH模型,随着血压升高,氧化应激水平增强,而NO含量和NOS活力降低,提示NO、NOS参与了CIH的形成。     

首都钢铁公司人群心血管病24年干预效果评价

目的 探讨心血管病防治策略在我国城市企业人群中实施的可行性及其效果。方法 (1)干预措施：根据危险因素调查的特点,在厂区人群中开展卫生宣教和健康促进,重点加强对高血压患者的管理,在高危人群中推广以减盐为重点的合理膳食结构,指导减重、戒烟及限酒等;(2)效果评价：用非干预研究协作人群作横向比较人群间危险因素水平的变化;用首都钢铁公司(首钢)内干预样本的平行对照比较干预对危险因素的影响。用首钢全人群疾病监测资料来评价脑卒中、冠心病事件发病率和死亡率的变化趋势及其干预效果。结果 9组协作人群14年横向对比,除首钢外的8组协作人群男性平均收缩压升高2-11mmHg,女性平均升高6—8mmHg,首钢男、女性平均下降0．8和4mmHg;5组协作人群男性平均舒张压升高2～6mmHg,4组女性升高3～6mmHg,但首钢男女两性仍保持基线时水平。血清胆固醇水平除首钢男工与石景山男性农民仅轻度升高外,其他7组男性升高在0．35-0.97mmol／L之间。8组女性胆圊醇平均升高在0．29～1．05mmoL／L,但首钢女性却下降了0．26mmol／L。另9组人群超重患病率与基线时比较,除首钢仅增加58,7％(男性)和11.3％(女性)外,其他8组则增加1—22倍。平行对照8年干预结果表明,加强干预厂卫生知识水平较一般干预厂提高明显,平均收缩压、舒张压分别净下降2．5和2．2mmHg。24年来首钢人群脑卒中发病率和死亡率分别下降了54．7％和74．3％,但冠心病事件的发病率和死亡率还在波动中缓慢上升。结论 在我国城市企业人群中开展心血管病的防治不仅是可行的,而且是有效的,但需坚持。     

哈萨克族与汉族高血压病患者血浆抵抗素水平的相关性研究

目的观察新疆哈萨克族（哈族）、汉族高血压病（HT）患者血浆抵抗素水平及其与胰岛素抵抗（IR）、血糖、血脂、血压及肥胖指标的关系。方法选取新疆哈族人127例及汉族人131例作为研究对象。根据血压水平，分为哈族HT组、哈族对照组、汉族HT组、汉族对照组。均测量血压、身高、体重、腰围（WC）及臀围，抽取空腹静脉血，检测血浆抵抗素、胰岛素（FINS）、血糖（FPG）、总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL—C）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL—C）、载脂蛋白AI（Apo—AI）、载脂蛋白B（Apo—B）。计算体重指数（BMI）、腰臀比（WHR）、体内脂肪百分比（BF％）、HOMA-胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA-IR）等进行比较。结果哈、汉HT组血浆抵抗素水平均明显高于相应的对照组（P〈0．01）；哈、汉HT组间或哈、汉对照组间血浆抵抗素水平差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；在哈、汉HT组，抵抗素均与年龄、SBP、WC、BMI、WHR、BF％、FPG、FINS、HOMA—IR、TG呈正相关（哈HT组r=0．492，0．296，0．28I＇0．648，0．263，0．515，0．742，0．759，0．797，0．595；汉HT组r=0．417，0．275，0．391，0．483，0．278．O．318，0．453，0．560，0．641，0．310；P〈0．05）；调整年龄、血糖、血脂、肥胖等指标后，各组中抵抗素仍与FINS、HOMA—IR呈正相关（哈HT组r=0．432，0．410；哈对照组r=0．327，0．305；汉HT组r=0．426，0．425；汉对照组r=0．377，0．392；P〈0．05），与SBP、DBP无相关（P〉0．05）；在哈族HT组，HOMA—IR、FPG和BMI是影响血浆抵抗素水平的独立因素；在汉族HT组，HOMA—IR、FPG和BF％是影响血浆抵抗素水平的独立因素。结论哈、汉HT患者血浆抵抗素水平升高，其血浆抵抗素与肥胖、血糖及IR关系密切，与血压可能存在间接关系。     

Lifetime overweight status in relation to serial changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: The Fels Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE: The aims were to determine if 1) individuals who became and maintained overweight during their entire lifetime differ from those who were never-overweight in terms of annual changes in adiposity and concurrent changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors; 2) the changes and their relationships to each other varied between these groups or by sex within the groups; and 3) alcohol usage, smoking habits, and level of physical activity differed between groups. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Data from 16,315 examinations of 414 individuals were utilized to assess lifetime overweight (body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg/m2) status. A regressive analytic approach was used to determine the average annual changes for each individual over an adult serial interval ranging from 4 to 20 years. RESULTS: Men and women who have become and maintained overweight have higher blood pressure and a poorer lipid/lipoprotein risk profile than those who have never been overweight. There is an accelerated deterioration in the atherogenic profile of overweight men and women as indicated by annual changes in CVD risk factors about double that of their never-overweight counterparts. In women, increased risk is derived from increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whereas in men the increased risk comes not only from increasing diastolic blood pressure but also cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and, to a lesser extent, decreasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. DISCUSSION: The reduced physical activity observed in the overweight adults may be related to their accumulation of adipose tissue at a rate about double their never-overweight counterparts, and this may be driving the higher rate of increase of CVD risk factors in the overweight groups.     

冠状动脉肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的易患因素研究

目的 探讨冠状动脉肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄的易患因素.方法 接受冠状动脉造影的88例心肌桥患者,其中合并肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄者67例(A组),未合并肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄者21例(B组),观察两组患者的年龄、性别、心肌桥长度、收缩压、舒张压、脉压、心肌桥压迫程度(Nobel分级)、空腹血糖、血脂等因素的差异.结果 两组患者Nobel分级、收缩压、脉压比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),而年龄、性别、心肌桥长度、舒张压、空腹血糖、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平比较差异无统计学意义.进一步回归分析发现,Nobel分级和脉压与是否合并肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄有相关性(相关系数分别为3.0569和0.9740,P值均＜0.05).结论 高血压患者易患心肌桥,心肌桥有促发或加速肌桥前动脉发生粥样硬化的倾向,心肌桥压迫程度、脉压与是否合并肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄显著相关,而年龄、性别、收缩压、舒张压、空腹血糖、血脂、心肌桥长度与是否合并肌桥前动脉粥样硬化性狭窄无相关性.     

High hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic increases the HDL-cholesterol level via up-regulation of apolipoprotein A-I gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality worldwide and a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is an important marker of CVD risk. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been widely used in the clinic for treatment of CVD and regulation of lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of a high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) on HDL-C level and regulation of hepatic apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) gene expression. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups and maintained on a high-fat control diet (CON) or high-fat control diet supplemented with high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) for 5 weeks. Changes in the expression of genes related to HDL-C metabolism were analyzed in liver, together with biometric and blood parameters. RESULTS: In the HEG group, the plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased by 19% and 24%, respectively, relative to the control group. The plasma HDL-C level was increased by 59% (P < 0.05). The HEG-supplemented diet lowered the atherogenic index (AI) by 45% as compared to the CON group. Hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) levels were reduced by 35% and 43%, respectively in comparison with the CON group. The HEG supplementation increased hepatic mRNA levels of apoA-I, which is one of primarily proteins of HDL-C particle (P < 0.05). The gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), importantly involved in the biogenesis in HDL, were also up-regulated by dietary HEG. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HEG ameliorates plasma lipid profiles and attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation in the high-fat fed rats. Our findings provides that the effects of HEG on the increase of the plasma HDL-C level was at least partially mediated by up-regulation of hepatic genes expression such as apoA-I, ABCA1, and LCAT in rats fed a high-fat diet.     

Erythrocyte fatty acids, plasma lipids, and cardiovascular disease in rural China

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, and stroke), plasma lipids, and red blood cell fatty acid composition were examined in an ecologic study in 65 rural counties in the People's Republic of China. Means of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were substantially lower and the ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol was higher in this Chinese population than in Western populations. Mortality rates for CVD in China were well below Western values. Within China neither plasma total cholesterol nor LDL cholesterol was associated with CVD. A strong inverse correlation between red blood cell oleate concentrations and CVD was observed. However, red blood cell oleate concentrations were not associated with plasma cholesterol but were strongly negatively associated with arachidonate concentrations, suggesting potential diminution of CVD by oleate through reduced platelet aggregability. The results indicate that geographical differences in CVD mortality within China are caused primarily by factors other than dietary or plasma cholesterol.     

我国农村居民的红细胞脂肪酸、血浆脂质与心血管疾病

对我国49个县的心血管疾病(CVD,包括冠心病、高血压心脏病和脑卒中)死亡率和4900例35～64岁成年男女的膳食进行了调查,并测定了血浆脂质[总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和甘油三酸酯(TG)]的含量,结果指出:1.和西方国家人群比较,我国农民血浆TC、TG、HDL-C和依此计算而得的LDL-C水平较低,而HDL-C/TC比值较高,CVD死亡率也较西方国家的为低。2.在TC、LDL-C与CVD死亡率之间无相关,但在红细胞油酸水平与CVD死亡率间有显著负相关。3.红细胞油酸水平与血浆TC含量间无相关,而与红细胞花生四烯酸水平呈显著负相关。指出油酸对CVD死亡率的影响有可能是通过另一条途径,即减低血小板的聚集作用。4.我国的CVD死亡率呈现明显的地区性分布,即南方低于北方。其分布与红细胞油酸含量,及大米摄取量的地区性分布呈明显的负关系。5.为解释CVD死亡率与红细胞油酸的负关系,本文提出了油酸可能置换了血小板膜磷脂中多不饱和脂肪酸的设想,但对大米保护CVD的作用则尚需有更多的调查和研究数据才能确证之。     

Relation of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate with cardiovascular disease risk factors in women: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Women's Health Study

Low circulating levels of the adrenal steroids dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are thought to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men. In women, either a positive or null association with CVD has been found. The nature of the relation between DHEAS and CVD risk factors in women is unclear and is based on cross-sectional data. We present results from a longitudinal investigation of serum DHEA and DHEAS and cardiovascular disease risk factors in 236 women, initially 50-60 years old, from a population-based prospective (1986-1995) study of the menopausal transition. We used generalized estimating equations to model the relation of serum DHEA and DHEAS to systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoproteins A and B, adjusting for other factors related to CVD. Both DHEA and DHEAS were positively related to diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and DHEAS was negatively related to apolipoprotein A. DHEA and DHEAS were also positively related to smoking, alcohol use, estrone, and estradiol levels, and inversely related to age. Our results suggest that higher levels of DHEA and DHEAS in middle-aged women may indicate increased CVD risk.     

Modeling fetal adaptation to nutrient restriction: testing the fetal origins hypothesis with a supply-demand model

The fetal origins hypothesis (FOH) posits that fetal adaptations to nutritional insufficiency elevate future risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although birth weight (BW) remains the most commonly used index of fetal nutritional sufficiency in FOH research, it is a poor index of fetal nutrition because it is also influenced by genes, epigenetic effects and other nonnutritional factors. This paper uses data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS) to explore an alternate strategy--the supply-demand model--as a means to model fetal nutritional sufficiency, adaptation and cardiovascular programming. Specifically, it is hypothesized that small size should be associated with elevated CVD risk, but only when there is corroborating evidence that the individual had a higher growth potential, was born to a nutritionally stressed mother, or both. Using low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as markers of CVD risk, the predictions of the model are only met for LDL-C and only in males. There is evidence for an association between maternal nutritional status and male offspring SBP, but this relationship is independent of fetal nutritional sufficiency as defined by the model. Thus, although both the LDL-C and SBP findings support the general hypothesis that the prenatal milieu has long-term implications for CVD risk in males, only the patterns observed for LDL-C are consistent with the prediction that fetal nutritional sufficiency is key to CVD programming.     

Kennedy Space Center Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program evaluation

This program evaluation examined the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Reduction Program which aims to identify CVD risk factors and reduce these risk factors through health education phone counseling. High risk participants (those having two or more elevated lipid values) are identified from monthly voluntary CVD screenings and counseled. Phone counseling consists of reviewing lab values with the participant, discussing dietary fat intake frequency using an intake questionnaire, and promoting the increase in exercise frequency. The participants are followed-up at two-months and five-months for relevant metrics including blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, dietary fat intake, and exercise frequency. Data for three years of the KSC CVD Program included 366 participants, average age of 49 years, 75% male, and 25% female. For those with complete two and five month follow-up data, significant baseline to two-month follow-up comparisons included decreases in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.03); diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.002); total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and dietary fat intake (all three at p < 0.0001) as well as a significant increase in exercise frequency (p = 0.04). Significant baseline to five-month follow-up comparisons included decreases in triglycerides (p = 0.05); and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and dietary intake (all three at p < 0.0001). These program evaluation results indicate that providing brief phone health education counseling and information at the worksite to high risk CVD participants may impact CVD risk factors.     

Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors among American Indians. The Strong Heart Study

PURPOSE: This study describes changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older American Indians over a 4-year period. METHODS: The Strong Heart Study, a longitudinal population-based study of CVD and CVD risk factors among American Indians aged 45-74 years, measured CVD risk factors among 3638 members of 13 tribes in three geographic areas during examinations in 1989 to 1991 and 1993 to 1995. RESULTS: Changes in mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the prevalence of elevated LDL cholesterol were inconsistent. Mean high- density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol decreased, and the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol increased throughout. Mean systolic blood pressure and hypertension rates increased in nearly all center-sex groups, and hypertension awareness and treatment improved. Smoking rates decreased but remained higher than national rates except among Arizona women. Mean weight and percentage body fat decreased in nearly all center-sex groups but the prevalence of obesity did not change significantly in any group. Diabetes and albuminuria prevalence rates increased throughout the study population. The prevalence of alcohol use decreased, but binge drinking remained common in those who continued to drink. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in management and prevention of hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, and obesity, and programs to further reduce smoking and alcohol abuse, are urgently needed.     

Plasma lycopene, other carotenoids, and retinol and the risk of cardiovascular disease in men

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests a possible role of lycopene in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE: We examined whether plasma lycopene concentrations in the Physicians' Health Study were associated with CVD in a prospective, nested, case-control design. DESIGN: Baseline blood samples were collected starting in 1996. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 y, we identified 499 cases of CVD (confirmed myocardial infarction, stroke, CVD death, or revascularization procedures) and an equal number of men free of CVD and matched for age (x: 69.7 y), follow-up time, and smoking status. We collected self-reported coronary disease risk factors and measured plasma carotenoids, retinol, lipids, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: In matched analyses with additional adjustment for plasma total cholesterol and randomized treatment, the relative risks (RRs) of CVD for men in the lowest to highest quartiles of plasma lycopene were 1.00 (reference), 0.92, 1.04, and 0.95 (P for linear trend = 0.93). With multivariate adjustment, the RRs of total CVD were 1.00 (reference), 1.08, 0.94, and 1.03 (P for linear trend = 0.98). For important vascular events (241 cases), excluding revascularization procedures, the multivariate RRs remained nonsignificant (P for linear trend = 0.50). Adding plasma carotenoids, lipids, or C-reactive protein to multivariate models had a minimal effect on the RRs of total CVD for plasma lycopene. Compared with lycopene, higher concentrations of plasma lutein/zeaxanthin and retinol suggested a moderate increase in CVD risk, whereas no association was found for beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. CONCLUSIONS: Higher plasma lycopene concentrations were not associated with the risk of CVD in this study of older men. Further evaluation in diverse populations is necessary.     

Iron stores and cardiovascular disease risk factors in women of reproductive age in the United States

BACKGROUND: The increasing proportion of iron-replete individuals in industrialized countries and the possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among men with high iron stores raise concerns regarding improved iron status in women of reproductive age. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between iron stores and a set of established CVD risk factors among nonpregnant women aged 20-49 y. DESIGN: Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were used to examine the relation between race-ethnicity-specific quartiles of serum ferritin (SF) and a set of CVD risk factors [body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, plasma glucose, and blood pressure (BP)]. Women with a history of CVD or liver disease were excluded. We controlled for age, session of measurement, prevalent infection, recent blood donation, and treatment with iron for anemia. RESULTS: Mean SF values were 53.22 +/- 2.08 micro g/L (n = 1178), 58.93 +/- 2.39 micro g/L (n = 1093), and 43.33 +/- 1.39 micro g/L (n = 1075) among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American women, respectively. Iron stores were positively associated with CVD risk factors only among non-Hispanic black and Mexican American women after adjustment for confounding variables. The strongest associations were seen among Mexican American women: compared with the middle 2 quartiles, the lowest and highest quartiles of SF had lower and higher values, respectively, for BMI, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, glucose, and diastolic BP. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CVD risk factors, especially those related to glucose and lipid metabolism, are positively associated with iron status in women.