Cardiovascular and other causes of death as a function of lifestyle habits in a quasi extinct middle-aged male population. A 50-year follow-up study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo relate major causes of death with lifestyle habits in an almost extinct male middle-aged population. Material and methodsA 40–59 aged male population of 1712 subjects was examined and followed-up for 50years. Baseline smoking habits, working physical activity and dietary habits were related to 50years mortality subdivided into 12 simple and 3 composite causes of death by Cox proportional hazard models. Duration of survival was related to the same characteristics by a multiple linear regression model. ResultsDeath rate in 50years was of 97.5%. Out of 12 simple groups of causes of death, 6 were related to smoking habits, 3 to physical activity and 4 to dietary habits. Among composite groups of causes of death, hazard ratios (and their 95% confidence limits) of never smokers versus smokers were 0.68 (0.57–0.81) for major cardiovascular diseases; 0.65 (0.52–0.81) for all cancers; and 0.72 (0.64–0.81) for all-cause deaths. Hazard ratios of vigorous physical activity at work versus sedentary physical activity were 0.63 (0.49–0.80) for major cardiovascular diseases; 1.01 (0.72–1.41) for all cancers; and 0.76 (0.64–0.90) for all-cause deaths. Hazard ratios of Mediterranean Diet versus non-Mediterranean Diet were 0.68 (0.54–0.86) for major cardiovascular diseases; 0.54 (0.40–0.73) for all cancers; and 0.67 (0.57–0.78) for all-cause deaths. Expectancy of life was 12years longer for men with the 3 best behaviors than for those with the 3 worst behaviors. ConclusionsSome lifestyle habits are strongly related to lifetime mortality.