Multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors in Canadian adults. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of the coexistence of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Canadian adults. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional surveys. SETTING: Nine Canadian provinces, from 1986 to 1990. PARTICIPANTS: A probability sample of 26,293 men and women, aged 18 to 74 years, was selected from provincial health insurance registries. For 20,582 of these participants, at least two blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken using a standardized technique. At a subsequent visit to a clinic, two additional BP readings, anthropometric measurements and a blood specimen for plasma lipid analysis were obtained. OUTCOME MEASURES: The percentage distribution of subjects by number of major risk factors (smoking, high BP and elevated blood cholesterol level) and by concomitant factors (body mass index [BMI], ratio of waist to hip circumference [WHR], physical activity, diabetes, awareness of CVD risk factors and education). MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of men and 63% of women had one or more of the major risk factors. Prevalence increased with age to reach 80% in men and 89% in women aged 65 to 74 years. Prevalence of two or three risk factors was highest among men in the 45-54 age group (34%) and in women in the 65-74 age group (37%). The most common associations were between smoking and high blood cholesterol level (10%) and between high BP and high blood cholesterol level (8%). Prevalence of high BP and elevated blood cholesterol, alone or in combination, increased with BMI and WHR. Smoking, elevated blood cholesterol, BMI and prevalence of one or more risk factors increased with lower level of education. Less than 48% of participants mentioned any single major risk factor as a cause of heart disease. Awareness was lowest in the group with fewest years of education. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study call for an approach to reduce CVD that stresses collaboration of the different health sectors to reach both the population as a whole and the individuals at high risk.     

Guidelines for the detection of high-risk lipoprotein profiles and the treatment of dyslipoproteinemias. Canadian Lipoprotein Conference Ad Hoc Committee on Guidelines for Dyslipoproteinemias.

Elevated plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoproteins, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and abdominal obesity are risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Because of the preventable threat to life, well-being and productivity from perturbations of plasma lipoproteins (which affect about 60% of adults), we recommend a population-based strategy with public education on diet, exercise and the hazards of smoking and legislation for better food labelling. This should be combined with the medical guidelines we describe to detect and treat those at highest risk for CHD (including about 15% of adults), who merit priority for the medical, dietetic and laboratory services required. Among people aged 40 years or more this includes those with plasma total cholesterol levels greater than 7 mmol/L, fasting triglyceride levels greater than 3 mmol/L or cholesterol level greater than 6 mmol/L when associated with CHD or other risk factors for CHD. For younger people the criteria for highest risk include cholesterol levels greater than 6.5 mmol/L for those aged 30 to 39 years, greater than 6 mmol/L for those aged 20 to 29 and greater than 5 mmol/L for those under age 20.     

Obesity and its relation to cardiovascular disease risk factors in Canadian adults. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of weight and abdominal obesity among Canadian adults and to determine the association of obesity with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional surveys. Survey nurses administered a standard questionnaire and recorded two blood pressure measurements during a home visit. At a subsequent visit to a survey clinic two further blood pressure readings were made, anthropometric measurements recorded and a blood specimen taken for plasma lipid determination. SETTING: Nine Canadian provinces, from 1986 to 1990. PARTICIPANTS: A probability sample of 26,293 men and women aged 18 to 74 years was selected from the health insurance registration files of each province. Anthropometry was performed on 17,858 subjects. OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI), ratio of waist to hip circumference (WHR), mean plasma lipid levels, prevalence of high blood pressure (diastolic greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg or patient on treatment) and self-reported diabetes mellitus. MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 27) increased with age and was greater in men (35%) than in women (27%). Abdominal obesity was likewise higher in men and increased with both age and BMI. The prevalence of high blood pressure was greater in those with higher BMI, especially in those with a high WHR. Although total plasma cholesterol levels increased only modestly with BMI, levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides and the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased steadily, while HDL-cholesterol decreased consistently with increasing BMI. High total cholesterol levels (greater than or equal to 5.2 mmol/L) were more prevalent among people with high BMI, especially those with a high WHR. The prevalence of diabetes increased with BMI among those 35 years or older, especially those with abdominal obesity. About half of men and two-thirds of women who were obese were trying to lose weight. CONCLUSION: Obesity remains common among Canadian adults. There is a need for broad-based programs that facilitate healthy eating and activity patterns for all age groups. Health professionals should incorporate measurement of BMI and WHR into their routine examinations of patients to enhance their evaluation of health risk.     

Cardiac risk factor management. Experience of an outpatient hypertension clinic

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcome of the management of cardiovascular risk factors in the hypertension clinic of a teaching hospital over a five-year period. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of risk factor data (blood pressure, plasma cholesterol level, body weight, smoking and drinking habits) obtained from computerised hypertension clinic progress report forms. SETTING: Public teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and thirty-one patients referred to the clinic from both general practice and from within the hospital who attended the clinic regularly during the five-year study period. INTERVENTION: Long term management of hypertension and coexisting coronary risk factors by dietary, medical and lifestyle intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure control in 1990 versus 1986 in both men and women, while systolic blood pressure improved in women only. The number of patients controlled with monotherapy increased from 38% in 1986 to 45% in 1990. Eighty-nine per cent of the men and 85% of women remained above their maximum desirable weight. Reported levels of alcohol consumption were low and the proportion of smokers was below that of the general population. A significant decline in plasma total cholesterol levels was observed in the women. Despite dietary advice and a limited use of lipid lowering drugs, 53.2% of the men and 66.1% of the women continued to have total plasma cholesterol levels above 5.5 mmol/L in 1990. High density lipoprotein levels increased significantly in the women only. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of our clinic patients have well controlled hypertension, but the clinic program produced little evidence of improvement in risk factors in men stabilised by long term therapy. More intensive methods of achieving lifestyle modification and a wider use of lipid lowering drugs may be needed if we are to achieve satisfactory body weights and lipid profiles in hypertensive patients.     

Lipids and lipoproteins in patients undergoing coronary-artery surgery

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 290 patients who were undergoing elective coronary-artery graft procedures, and cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured. The 1983 National Heart Foundation of Australia's Risk Factor Prevalence Study was used as a source of age- and sex-matched "control" data. Of these patients, 80% had cholesterol levels of greater than 5.5 mmol/L; in 55% of patients, the level exceeded 6.5 mmol/L. Only 4% of patients who received a graft showed hypertriglyceridaemia alone (triglyceride level, greater than 2 mmol/L). Combined hyperlipidaemia (cholesterol level, greater than 5.5 mmol/L and triglyceride level, greater than 2.0 mmol/L) was present in 52% of subjects. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels exceeded 3.5 mmol/L in 69% of men and in 71% of women. In terms of five 10-year age intervals, mean plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were elevated significantly in patients who had undergone a coronary-artery grafting procedure compared with those of subjects in the National Heart Foundation study. The mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were markedly-lower compared with those of the subjects in the National Heart Foundation study. Of those patients whose plasma cholesterol levels were less than 5.5 mmol/L, 97% of patients had high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels that were less than the mean level for subjects in the National Heart Foundation study. Thus, a very-high proportion of patients who underwent coronary-artery bypass surgery had lipid abnormalities which required intervention postoperatively.     

Blood lipid concentrations and other cardiovascular risk factors: distribution, prevalence, and detection in Britain

To establish the distribution of blood lipid concentrations and the prevalences of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Britain 12,092 men and women aged 25-59 in Glasgow, Leicester, London, and Oxford were studied. Subjects were selected by opportunistic case finding, in which patients consulting their general practitioner for any reason were offered a health check by appointment, or random selection from age-sex registers, in which an invitation for a health check was posted. The overall rate of response was 73%, being 91-94% by opportunistic case finding and 36-63% by random selection. At the health check subjects answered a brief questionnaire about risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and their height, weight, and blood pressure were recorded; a blood sample was taken for measuring plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose. The mean cholesterol concentrations were 5.9 (SD 1.2) and 5.8 (1.2) mmol/l in men and women, respectively. In London the mean value was 5.5 (1.2) mmol/l for both men and women and was significantly lower than mean values in the three other centres, among which there were no significant differences. In men and women aged 25-29 concentrations were similar but they increased in men until the age of 45-49, after which they showed no further increase; in women concentrations did not increase until the age of 40-44 and by the age of 50-59 values were higher than in men. Mean triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in men than in women (1.8 (1.4) v 1.3 (0.9) mmol/l, respectively), and trends with age were similar to those for cholesterol concentrations, except that at no age were values higher in women than in men. Mean triglyceride values overall were higher in Glasgow and London than in Oxford and Leicester. Body mass index was higher in Glasgow and London than in the other two centres and correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures and triglyceride concentration. In addition, subjects in Glasgow smoked significantly more than those in the other centres. These observations could contribute to the higher rate of coronary heart disease in Glasgow. Plasma lipid concentrations and the prevalences of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease were similar in subjects selected by opportunistic case finding and by random selection. In Britain cholesterol values have changed little during the past 12 years despite dietary recommendations and health education.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare risk factors for cardiovascular disease in pet owners and non-owners. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease were measured in 5741 participants attending a free, screening clinic at the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne. Blood pressure, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride values were compared in pet owners (n = 784) and non-owners (n = 4957). RESULTS: Pet owners had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-owners. In men, pet owners had significantly lower systolic but not diastolic blood pressure than non-owners, and significantly lower plasma triglyceride levels, and plasma cholesterol levels. In women over 40 years old, systolic but not diastolic pressure was significantly lower in pet owners and plasma triglycerides also tended to be lower. There were no differences in body mass index and self-reported smoking habits were similar, but pet owners reported that they took significantly more exercise than non-owners, and ate more meat and "take-away" foods. The socioeconomic profile of the pet owners and non-owners appeared to be comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Pet owners in our clinic population had lower levels of accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and this was not explicable on the basis of cigarette smoking, diet, body mass index or socioeconomic profile. The possibility that pet ownership reduces cardiovascular risk factors should therefore be investigated.     

Blood lipid profile and prevalence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults

Objective To investigate the plasma lipid levels in a national representative sample of subjects and to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the Chinese population.Methods Plasma lipid profile was analyzed using the data obtained during the Chinese national nutrition and health survey(CNHS)in 2002 which involved 14 252 participants at the age of 18 years or older.Results The mean levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the participants were 3.81 mmol/L,1.10 mmol/L,and 1.30 mmol/L,respectively.In the groups of participants at the age of 18-44 years,45-59 years,and over 60 years the mean TC level was 3.70 mmol/L,4.09 mmol/L and 4.21 mmol/L,respectively,and the mean TG level was 07 mmol/L,1.21 mmol/L,1.20 mmol/L,1.29 mmol/L,1.33 mmol/L,and 1.33 mmol/L,respectively.The prevalence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults was 18.6% and 22.2% in males and 15.9% in females.Dyslipidemia prevalence was higher in urban districts than in rural areas(21.0% vs.17.7%).The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia,hypertriglyceridemia,and low HDL cholesterol was 2.9%,11.9%,and 7.4% respectively among the participants.Conclusion Dyslipidemia has become one of the important health risk factors in the Chinese population.There is no significantly difference in the prevalence of dyslipidemia between the groups of participants at the age of 45-59 years and over 60 years.This study provides important lipid profile data for policy making and guideline development for the prevention of dyslipidemia in the Chinese population.     

Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Canadians 55 to 74 years of age: results from the Canadian Heart Health Surveys, 1986-1992

BACKGROUND: By 2016, the proportion of Canadians older than 65 years of age will increase to 16%, and there will be an increase in the absolute number of cases of cardiovascular disease in older Canadians. The Canadian Heart Health Surveys database provides information about this population upon which health policy related to cardiovascular disease can be based. This paper presents for the first time population-based data on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in older Canadians. METHODS: Canadians from all 10 provinces participated in surveys of cardiovascular risk factors; health insurance registries were used as sampling frames. In each province, probability samples of 2200 adults 18 to 74 years old not living in institutions, on reserves or in military camps were asked to participate in interviews and to undergo testing at clinics for major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: A total of 2739 men (response rate 70%) and 2617 women (response rate 66%) aged 55 to 74 years participated in the survey and also provided follow-up clinical measurements at the clinic. Overall, 52% of participants were hypertensive, 26% had isolated systolic hypertension, and 30% had a total blood cholesterol level of 6.2 mmol/L or greater. Rates of current smoking were lower in women than men (17% v. 22%). Overall, 87% of men and 78% of women who were current smokers smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day. Only slightly more than half of participants exercised at least once a week for at least 15 minutes, and almost half had a body mass index of 27 or greater. In only 4% was no major risk factor for cardiovascular disease detected. INTERPRETATION: Significant numbers of older Canadians have one or more major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many of these risk factors are amenable to modification.     

Distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors by socioeconomic status among Canadian adults

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to describe the distribution of risk factors for cardiovascular disease by socioeconomic status in adult men and women across Canada using the Canadian Heart Health Surveys Database. METHODS: The data were derived from provincial cross-sectional surveys done between 1986 and 1992. Data were obtained through a home interview and a clinic visit using a probability sample of 29,855 men and women aged 18-74 years of whom 23,129 (77%) agreed to participate. The following risk factors for cardiovascular disease were considered: elevated total plasma cholesterol (greater than 5.2 mmol/L), regular current cigarette smoking (one or more daily), elevated diastolic or systolic blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg), overweight (body mass index and lack of leisure-time physical activity [less than once a week in the last month]). Education and income adequacy were used as measures of socioeconomic status and mother tongue as a measure of cultural affiliation. RESULTS: For most of the risk factors examined, the prevalence of the risk factors was inversely related to socioeconomic status, but the relationship was stronger and more consistent for education than for income. The inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of the risk factors was particularly strong for smoking and overweight, where a gradient was observed: 46% (standard error [SE] 1.4) of men and 42% (SE 4.3) of women who had not completed secondary school were regular smokers, but only 12% (SE 1.0) of men and 13% (SE 0.9) of women with a university degree were regular smokers. Thirty-nine percent (SE 1.4) of men and 19% (SE 3.8) of women who had not completed secondary school were overweight, compared with 26% (SE 2.6) of male and 19% of female university graduates. The prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol was highest in both men and women in the lowest socioeconomic category, particularly by level of education. INTERPRETATION: The differences in the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease between socioeconomic groups are still important in Canada and should be considered in planning programs to reduce the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease.     

Normative standards of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in Canadians of working age.

Fasting plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were determined for 6407 working Canadian adults aged 20 to 69 years in Toronto and Hamilton. Means, medians and 5th and 95th percentiles were ascertained from the data for men, women taking oral contraceptives or estrogen preparations, and women not taking such medication. Mean plasma cholesterol values (mg/dL) ranged in men from 168.3 at ages 20 to 24 years to 211.5 at ages 45 to 49 years, and in women using hormone preparations from 180.3 at ages 20 to 24 years to 224.2 at ages 50 to 54 years; corresponding values in women not using these preparations were 164.9 and 220.6. Plasma triglyceride means (mg/dL) ranged in men from 108.7 at ages 20 to 24 years to 166.7 at ages 40 to 44 years, in women using hormone preparations from 115.4 at ages 20 to 24 years to 145.3 at ages 45 to 59 years, and in women not using these preparations from 77.5 at ages 20 to 24 years to 112.4 at ages 50 to 54 years.     

深圳学龄前儿童血脂水平研究

目的 了解深圳学龄前儿童血脂的正常值、临界值、危险值及深圳学龄前儿童的血脂异常率.方法 对深圳特区284名2～6岁学龄前儿童空腹12 h以上抽静脉血检测三酰甘油（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）、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（ApoAI）、载脂蛋白B（ApoB）.结果 2～6岁儿童TC、TG、HDL-C、LDL-C、ApoAI、ApoB的危险值分别为＞5.83 mmol/L,＞1.29 mmol/L,＜1.44 mmol/L,＞3.28 mmol/L,＜1.38 g/L,＞1.14 g/L.儿童血脂异常的总检出率为14.08%,以TC异常为主,不同年龄组儿童血脂异常率间差别无显著性意义（P＞0.05）;男童和女童的血脂异常率间差别无显著性意义（P＞0.05）.结论 血脂异常在2～6岁儿童中已存在一定比例,从儿童期开始高脂血症的预防对预防心血管病具有潜在效益.     

Classical cardiovascular risk factors in Trinidadian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are not influenced by the level of plasma glycaemia

The aim of this study is to assess the plasma glycaemia of patients attending the diabetes mellitus outpatients' clinics in Trinidad and to determine how different plasma glycaemia would affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. One hundred and ninety-one patients (64 males, 127 females, mean age 56.6 +/- 0.8 yr) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean duration 9.2 +/- 0.6 yr) attending diabetes mellitus clinics from January to April 2000 participated in the study. Anthropometric indices (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) and blood pressure were measured and overnight fasting blood samples were collected for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, lipids (triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol) and creatinine determinations. The patients were categorized into Group 1 ('well controlled'; HbA1c < 7.0%) and Group 2 ('poorly controlled'; HbA1c > 7.0%). Although the majority (85%) of patients were poorly controlled', there were no significant differences in the age, duration of diabetes mellitus, body mass index and waist/hip ratios between the two groups of patients (p > 0.05). Similarly, the blood pressure and lipid (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05) although triglyceride (1.4 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) levels were higher in patients in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that the levels of blood pressure, lipid and anthropometric parameters were not significantly dependent on the plasma glycaemia of the patients (p > 0.05). Analysis of the data has shown that the majority of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending primary care clinics in Trinidad had poor glycaemic control. The poorly controlled patients had similar levels of CVD risk factors to 'well controlled' patients although the former were potentially at greater risk of progressing to cardiovascular disorder than 'well controlled' patients.     

Treatment target re-classification of subjects comparing estimation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by the Friedewald equation and direct measurement of LDL-cholesterol

Aims: To compare low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values calculated by the Friedewald equation with direct LDL-C in patient samples and assess the possible impact on re-classification of LDL-C target values for primary prevention or high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (<2.5?mmol/L) and secondary prevention or very high CVD risk (<1.8?mmol/L). LDL-C is an important CVD risk factor. Over the last decade, there has been a change in laboratory methodology from indirectly calculated LDL-C with the Friedewald equation to direct LDL-C measurements (dLDL-C).

Methods: Reported results for plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and dLDL-C from 34,981 samples analyzed in year 2014 were extracted from the laboratory information system, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.

Results: dLDL-C was approximately 10% lower than the corresponding LDL-C results calculated by the Friedewald equation in both men and women. In subjects with triglyceride concentrations above 4?mmol/L (n?=?1250) the same discordant pattern was seen as for the entire study population. Altogether 5469 out of 18,051 men (30.3%) and 4604 out of 16,928 women (27.2%) were down-classified at least one CVD risk category. A very small number of subject was up-classified, in total 37 out of 18,051 men (0.2%) and 28 out of 16,928 women (0.2%).

Conclusions: The two LDL-C methods had a high concordance, but the direct LDL-C measurement consistently gave approx. 10% lower values, and this caused one-third of subjects to be re-classified as having a lower cardiovascular disease risk in relation to recommended LDL-C target values and decision limits.     

The North Coast Cholesterol Check Campaign. Results of the first three years of a large-scale public screening programme

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has been declining, CVD is still the major cause of death in Australia and an elevated blood cholesterol level is considered a major contributor. Large-scale community-based screening programmes in other countries have demonstrated that a population approach can be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of CVD. The North Coast Cholesterol Check Campaign is the largest community-based cholesterol intervention programme in Australia. Since its inception in 1987, 13% of the Region's adult population (over 29,000 persons) have been screened. About half had elevated blood cholesterol levels (greater than or equal to 5.5 mmol/L) and were given dietary counselling to reduce fat intake. Mean blood cholesterol levels were significantly reduced between initial screening and follow-up in all three years. Reductions, after correction for regression, were 8%, 6% and 10%, respectively, in 1987, 1988 and 1989. There was also a consistent and significant 1.5% to 2% reduction in weight. All age/sex cohorts above age 35 were well represented each year although self-referral did bias both initial and follow-up samples towards women and the aged. Nevertheless, the proportion of men and men in their middle age increased during the three years. The proportion of participants with elevated cholesterol levels increased in each successive year while the proportion of participants who complied with referrals to visit their general practitioner and with requests to return for follow-up decreased. Over half of the North Coast adult population has now had a cholesterol test. The rate of increase in testing since the inception of the Campaign has been approximately four times the national rate. North Coast general practitioners have played a major role by catering for the increased community demand for cholesterol testing and by providing an effective referral service for the Campaign. Community-based screening programmes in Australia can detect and beneficially influence large numbers of persons with elevated cholesterol levels. Interventions like the North Coast Cholesterol Check Campaign, when conducted over a number of years, do attract higher risk and less compliant people.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relationship of baseline serum cholesterol levels in 3 large cohorts of younger men to long-term coronary, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality and to longevity

CONTEXT: Based on observational and interventional data for middle-aged cohorts (aged 40-64 years), serum cholesterol level is known to be an established major risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, findings for younger people are limited, and the value of detecting and treating hypercholesterolemia in younger adults is debated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term impact of unfavorable serum cholesterol levels on risk of death from CHD, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all causes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Three prospective studies, from which were selected 3 cohorts of younger men with baseline serum cholesterol level measurements and no history of diabetes mellitus or myocardial infarction. A total of 11,017 men aged 18 through 39 years screened in 1967-1973 for the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry (CHA); 1266 men aged 25 through 39 years examined in 1959-1963 in the Peoples Gas Company Study (PG); and 69,205 men aged 35 through 39 years screened in 1973-1975 for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cause-specific mortality during 25 (CHA), 34 (PG), and 16 (MRFIT) years of follow-up; mortality risks; and estimated life expectancy in relation to baseline serum cholesterol levels. RESULTS: Death due to CHD accounted for 26%, 34%, and 28% of all deaths in the CHA, PG, and MRFIT cohorts, respectively; and CVD death for 34%, 42%, and 39% of deaths in the same cohorts, respectively. Men in all 3 cohorts with unfavorable serum cholesterol levels (200-239 mg/dL [5.17-6.18 mmol/L] and >/=240 mg/dL [>/=6.21 mmol/L]) had strong gradients of relative mortality risk. For men with serum cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or greater (>/=6.21 mmol/L) vs favorable levels (<200 mg/dL [<5.17 mmol/L]), CHD mortality risk was 2.15 to 3.63 times greater; CVD disease mortality risk was 2.10 to 2.87 times greater; and all-cause mortality was 1.31 to 1.49 times greater. Hypercholesterolemic men had age-adjusted absolute risk of CHD death of 59 per 1000 men in 25 years (CHA cohort), 90 per 1000 men in 34 years (PG cohort), and 15 per 1000 men in 16 years (MRFIT cohort). Absolute excess risk was 43.6 per 1000 men (CHA), 81.4 per 1000 men (PG), and 12.1 per 1000 men (MRFIT). Men with favorable baseline serum cholesterol levels had an estimated greater life expectancy of 3.8 to 8.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a continuous, graded relationship of serum cholesterol level to long-term risk of CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality, substantial absolute risk and absolute excess risk of CHD and CVD death for younger men with elevated serum cholesterol levels, and longer estimated life expectancy for younger men with favorable serum cholesterol levels. JAMA. 2000;284:311-318     

Smoking prevalence and associated risk factors in Canadian adults. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and patterns of smoking among Canadian adults, the relation of smoking to other cardiovascular disease risk factors and the awareness of the causes of heart disease. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional surveys. SETTING: Nine Canadian provinces, from 1986 to 1990. PARTICIPANTS: A probability sample of 26,293 men and women aged 18 to 74 was selected from the health insurance registries in each province. Of these, 20,585 completed a questionnaire on smoking habits during a home interview. MAIN RESULTS: Approximately 29% of the Canadian population 18 years of age and over were regular cigarette smokers, and over 13% of regular smokers smoked more than 25 cigarettes per day. The proportion of women who had never smoked was higher (37%) than men (24%), except for young women aged 18 to 24. For all participants, there was a lower prevalence of high blood pressure and overweight among smokers than non-smokers. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol was positively associated with smoking. The proportion of subjects who identified smoking as a cause of heart disease was higher among smokers, and over 90% believe that heart disease is preventable. CONCLUSION: Because smoking is positively associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, multifactorial and comprehensive approaches are needed in the implementation of cardiovascular disease prevention programs. Knowledge regarding the heart health hazards of smoking is high even among smokers. Motivational approaches that go beyond health risk messages are needed in cessation programs.     

Cost-effectiveness of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition for primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

To determine the cost-effectiveness of HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase inhibitors (such as lovastatin) for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, we used the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model, a computer-stimulated model that estimates the risk factor-specific annual incidence of coronary heart disease and the risk of recurrent coronary events in persons with prevalent coronary heart disease. When used for secondary prevention, 20 mg/d of lovastatin was estimated to save lives and save costs in younger men with cholesterol levels above 250 mg/dL (6.47 mmol/L) and to have a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio regardless of the cholesterol level except in young women with cholesterol levels below 250 mg/dL (6.47 mmol/L). Doses of 40 mg/d of lovastatin had favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in men with cholesterol levels above 250 mg/dL (6.47 mmol/L). By comparison, primary prevention had favorable cost-effectiveness ratios only in selected subgroups based on cholesterol levels and other established risk factors. We conclude that current national recommendations regarding medication for secondary prevention are not as aggressive as our projections would suggest, while recommendations regarding the use of medications for primary prevention should consider the cost of medication as well as the risk factor profile of the individual patient.     

孕早期血脂对妊娠期糖尿病影响的前瞻性研究

目的 探讨孕早期血脂对妊娠期糖尿病（GDM）发生的影响。方法 采用前瞻性队列研究方法,以成都地区354例单胎初产健康孕妇为研究对象,通过问卷调查收集其孕前相关信息,通过24 h膳食回顾法收集孕妇孕早期膳食数据,并运用营养计算器计算孕妇孕早期膳食总能量,于孕（12±1）周测定孕妇体质量以及甘油三酯（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）和空腹血糖（FBG）浓度,于孕24~28周进行糖耐量筛查（OGTT）试验及诊断GDM。采用多因素logistic回归方法分析孕早期血脂水平对GDM发生的影响,采用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC曲线）分析预测GDM的孕早期TG临界值。结果 GDM组孕妇孕早期TG、TC、LDL-C水平均高于正常组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,两组孕早期HDL-C水平差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。控制混杂因素〔妊娠年龄、一级亲属糖尿病家族史、孕前体质量指数（BMI）、孕早期膳食总能量等〕后,多因素logistic回归分析显示:TG≥1.59 mmol/L水平组、TG 1.26~<1.59 mmol/L水平组GDM发生风险分别是TG＜0.94 mmol/L水平组的3.86倍（95%可信区间:1.35~11.08）、2.46倍（95%可信区间:1.05~6.51）,提示孕早期TG是GDM发生的危险因素。TG切点值在1.27 mmol/L时,ROC曲线下面积为0.634（95%可信区间:0.574~0.711）,约登指数最大,GDM筛查的灵敏度和特异度分别为67.1%、58.2%,提示1.27 mmol/L为孕早期TG预测GDM的临界值。结论 孕早期TG水平与GDM发生密切相关,应加强孕早期血脂监测和控制。     

2型糖尿病患者餐后高脂血症与颈动脉粥样硬化病变及纤溶活性关系的研究

目的：观察2型糖尿病患者餐后甘油三酯水平对动脉粥样硬化形成的影响。方法：2型糖尿病患者90例,按空腹甘油三酯（TG）和脂肪餐后4h TG水平分为空腹高脂组、餐后正常组、餐后增高组,所有患者均测空腹血糖（FBG）、餐后2h血糖（PBG2h）、空腹胰岛素（FINS）、 糖化血红蛋白（HbA1C）、总胆固醇（TC）、TG、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）、体重指数（BMI）、腰臀比（ WHR）、全血粘度、纤维蛋白原、血浆粘度、血浆组织型纤溶酶原激活物(t-PA)及其抑制物-1(PAI-1)活性、D-二聚体(D-D)水平、C反应蛋白(CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α) ,并行颈动脉彩色多普勒检查。结果：餐后增高组、空腹高脂组颈动脉内膜中层厚度（IMT）、颈动脉斑块发生率、大血管病变发生率、颈动脉斑块总积分均明显高于餐后正常组（P＜0.01),而餐后增高组与空腹高脂组颈动脉IMT无明显差异;餐后增高组、空腹高脂组患者全血的高切粘度、中切粘度、低切粘度,血浆粘度,红细胞压积,纤维蛋白原,血沉均显著高于餐后正常组（P＜0.01),餐后增高组与空腹高脂组比较无统计学意义;CRP与TNF-α水平按餐后正常组、餐后增高组与空腹高脂组的顺序依次增高（P＜0.05);餐后增高组、空腹高脂组患者血浆PAI 1、D D水平活性明显高于餐后正常组（P＜0.05),血浆t-PA活性明显低于餐后正常组（P＜0.01),餐后增高组与空腹高脂组比较,差异无统计学意义。结论：空腹TG正常伴餐后TG增高者与空腹TG增高对动脉粥样硬化有同样的危害性,对促进糖尿病大血管病变的发生有相同的危险性。