Meta-analysis of the association between marital status and hypertension: evaluating the impact of age and gender.

Are We There Yet? Pediatric Screening for Inflammatory Biomarkers and Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness to Identify Youth at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Grayscale Analysis of Carotid Plaque: An Overview

Vascular Protection in People with Diabetes

Marital status is related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Western countries. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between marital status and CVD risk factors in other populations. We investigated lifestyle and CVD risk factors relative to marital status among middle-aged Japanese men. We analyzed baseline data of 40-59-yr-old male workers who participated in the high-risk and population strategy for occupational health promotion (HIPOP-OHP) study. We compared lifestyle and CVD risk factors between men who were married (Group M; n=1,419, mean age 47.9 +/- 5.1 yr) and those who had never married (Group N; n=163, mean age 46.7 +/- 4.3 yr). Men in Group N were more likely to skip breakfast, work more shifts and exercise less. Current smoking rates, as well as average values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose were also higher in Group N than in Group M. The proportion of participants with three or more CVD risk factors, namely smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia was higher in Group N, than in Group M (12.9% vs. 5.0%, p<0.01). The difference between Groups M and N was more evident in the subgroup of living with others, than in the subgroup of living alone. Since men who have never married might be at higher risk for CVD, effort should be made to educate this population about decreasing lifestyle-related risk factors.

Recognizing Pregnancy-Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Cardiovascular Protection in People With Diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients: No Light at the End of the Tunnel?

World Kidney Day 2011: Protect Your Kidneys, Save Your Heart

Objective: The association between marital status and health has long been recognized albeit not without controversy. While substantial empirical research provides evidence that being married confers health benefits, there is evidence that heterogeneity exists in these benefits based on sociodemographic factors, including race/ethnicity, gender, and income. Given continued disparities in a range of health outcomes, there is a need to identify and better understand variations in the health advantage of being married versus unmarried (i.e., never-married, married, widowed, separated, or divorced). In this systematic literature review, we aimed to examine racial/ethnic variations in the purported protective role played by marital status with regard to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and CVD outcomes. The review focused on studies that included population groups highly vulnerable to poor cardiovascular health. Design: We conducted a search of MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and lists of relevant articles published during a five-year period in English. Databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and other appropriate keywords related to marital status, race/ethnicity, and CVD risk factors and outcomes. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and abstracted data from full-text articles. Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Results: The search yielded 4,577 titles, and 18 studies were included in this review. Studies showed mixed findings on the relationship between marital status, race/ethnicity, and CVD risk factors. With regard to CVD outcomes, most studies reported findings that suggest being married may serve as a protective factor across race/ethnic categories. Conclusion: Some cardiovascular risk factors and disease outcomes vary by the intersection of marital status and race/ethnicity. Differences in the relationship between marital status, race/ethnicity, and cardiovascular health need to be examined further in future research. These differences should be considered in the development of interventions aimed at addressing health disparities.

Cardiovascular Disease in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Unspoken Risk Factor

Hypertension Editors' Picks: Air Pollution.

Cardiovascular disease in recent onset diabetes mellitus

Complications of Progression of CKD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States and, indeed, worldwide. It has become a global public health issue. In the United States, the prevalence in the general population is estimated at approximately 20%, while that in the morbidly obese population at approximately 75-92% and in the pediatric population at approximately 13-14%. The progressive form of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is estimated at approximately 3-5%, with approximately 3-5% of these having progressed to cirrhosis. Thus, the numbers of individuals at risk for end-stage liver disease and development of primary liver cancer is large. NAFLD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, leads to increased all-cause mortality, and to increased liver-related mortality. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the NAFLD disease spectrum, including etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and genetic and environmental risk factors and suggests future directions for research in this important area.