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Abdominal obesity is often measured as the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which is the ratio of obesity in the upper trunk to that in the lower trunk. A high WHR is [...]

Well-funded community intervention projects conducted primarily by research-oriented universities have proved successful in mobilizing community resources and peer support for behavior changes that reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease (1-7). [...]

The relationships of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with body composition, leisure-time physical activity, cigarette smoking, and education were examined in a community-based sample of 480 Black and 1337 White women. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated inverse associations of HDL with body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio in both groups, and with cigarette smoking and low educational attainment among White women only. Since correlates of HDL cholesterol differ for Black and White women, further investigation of the differences in these correlates is warranted. (Am J Public Health. 1994;84:98-101), Factors related to high density lipoprotein (HDL) blood levels may differ among black and white women. HDLs are lipid-protein complexes that protect against coronary heart disease. Researchers examined 480 black and 1,337 white women to determine factors associated with HDL blood levels. Black women had higher levels of HDL than white women. Black women also had a different physical build than their counterparts since their height-weight indexes and waist-to-hip ratios were significantly higher, and a greater percentage of them were overweight. More black women reported no physical activity and low educational status than white women. For both black and white women, HDL levels were inversely related to physical build ratios. Significant differences in average HDL levels occurred between weight classes in both groups. HDL level variances also occurred between physical activity levels, education levels and smoking status among white women.

An elevated serum cholesterol level is one of the major risk factors for ischemic heart disease (IHD) (1). In the last few years, several studies have shown that by reducing […]

ALTHOUGH MORTALITY RATES are declining, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States and account for half of all deaths [1]. The decline in mortality is […]

Abstract: The potential contribution of drinking water sodium to total consumption and to blood pressure level, is explored in a South Carolina survey. Most (96 per ¢) of the population was served by drinking water containing <100 mg/l Na (median 14.8 mg/l). For households with water sources containing ≥ 100 mg/l Na. drinking water accounted for approximately 8.5 per ¢ of total estimated consumption. After adjustment for age, sex, race, brady mass index, education, and dietary sodium, a negative association between diastolic blood pressure and drinking water sodium levels was found. (Am J Public Health 1985; 75:772-774.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]