Prognostic value of behavioral habits (smoking, alcohol use, physical exercise) in a male population aged 40-59 in Moscow

The prognostic significance of some behavioral habits was examined in an open male population aged 40 to 59 years in respect to mortality. The analysis has demonstrated that tobacco-smoking leads to an increase in the total mortality rate and in mortality from cardiovascular and cancer diseases. The total mortality in the population was on the whole 1.5 times higher as a result of frequent alcohol use, mainly at the expense of the mortality growth because of other reasons (traumas, accidents). The work characteristics being the same, the total mortality from cardiovascular diseases and other reasons appeared significantly less in persons who were physically active in their leisure time as compared to those who were inactive. The analysis has also shown that studies into behavioral habits made by questionnaires in patients suffering from coronary heart disease should be performed in combination with other measures. At the same time the use of the questionnaire allowing the assessment of physical activity is advisable only in persons without coronary heart disease.