Coronary Risk Factors in Adult Children of Parents With Coronary Heart Disease: A Comparison Survey of Southeastern Brazil and Southeastern United States

Abstract

A survey was performed in southeastern Brazil and in the southeastern United States to: 1) compare coronary risk factors in adult children (>18 years old) of parents with coronary heart disease enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation programs in countries with different geographic, social, and economic factors; and 2) to assess the influence of coronary heart disease of parents on alteration of lifestyle in these adult children. There were 286 biological children available for the survey (135 Brazil, 151 United States). Of those, 142 completed the survey (78 Brazil, 64 United States) for an overall compliance rate of 50% (58% Brazil, 42% United States). The following differences were noted: blood pressure > 159/90 mm Hg (23% Brazil, 15% United States [nonsignificant]); total cholesterol > 181 mg/dL (5% Brazil, 30% United States [p < 0.001]); HDL-C < 35 mg/dL (95% Brazil, 21% United States [p < 0.001]); low-fat diet (29% Brazil, 64% United States [p < 0.001]); smoke/ever (41% Brazil, 34% United States [nonsignificant]); currently smoke (72% Brazil, 18% United States [p < 0.001]); any exercise [44% Brazil, 82% United States [p < 0.001]); exercise > 90 minute/week (18% Brazil, 20% United States [nonsignificant]); improved lifestyle habits (39% Brazil, 79% United States [p < 0.001]); improved lifestyle habits related to parent's coronary heart disease (66% Brazil, 35% United States [p < 0.05]). Such differences may reflect geographic, social, and/or economic factors.