Risk Of Elevated Levels Research Articles

In‐situ Remediation of Hydrogen Fluoride During a Detonation Event

AbstractHydrogen fluoride (HF) is a known product from the combustion or detonation of explosives formulated with fluoropolymer binder systems. This presents the user with elevated risk levels during unintended combustion events or detonations in confined situations. In an effort to remediate the production of HF, calcium disilicide (CaSi2) was added to explosive formulations and the amount of HF formed was monitored. Viton A/calcium disilicide mixtures were made and the thermal decomposition characteristics studied using thermal gravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The activation energy ranged from 145–190 kJ mol−1, indicative of CF scission in the Viton A binder prior to calcium fluoride formation. An energetic formulation was prepared which consisted of approximately a 5/3 mass ratio of Viton A/CaSi2. Combustion calorimetry in oxygen and air, and subsequent analysis of the residues using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed evidence of calcium fluoride (CaF2) formation. The decrease in HF formation was determined by trapping off gases and subsequent analysis in anion exchange chromatography of combustion and detonation products. Upon introduction of calcium disilicide into the formulation, a small decrease in HF formation was observed along with appearance of calcium fluoride and free Si in the residue. Such products are consistent with the mechanism following a general decomposition path of 2F−+CaSi2→CaF2+2Si. Under detonation conditions, the decomposition path followed nearly the same route with a net ca. 30 % decrease in HF formation, but with a portion of the silicon oxidizing slightly further to SiO2.

Everyday discrimination and mood and substance use disorders: A latent profile analysis with African Americans and Caribbean Blacks

BackgroundPerceived discrimination is a major source of health-related stress. The purpose of this study was to model the heterogeneity of everyday-discrimination experiences among African American and Caribbean Blacks and to identify differences in the prevalence of mood and substance use outcomes, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, alcohol-use disorder, and illicit drug-use disorder among the identified subgroups. MethodThe study uses data from the National Survey of American Life obtained from a sample of African American and Caribbean Black respondents (N=4,462) between 18 and 65 years. Results: We used latent profile analysis and multinomial regression analyses to identify and validate latent subgroups and test hypotheses, yielding 4 classes of perceived everyday discrimination: Low Discrimination, Disrespect and Condescension, General Discrimination, and Chronic Discrimination. Findings show significant differences exist between the Low Discrimination and General Discrimination classes for major depressive disorder, alcohol-use disorder, and illicit drug-use disorder. Moreover, we find significant differences exist between the Low Discrimination and Chronic Discrimination classes for the four disorders examined. Compared with the Chronic Discrimination class, members of the other classes were significantly less likely to meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, alcohol-use disorder, and illicit drug-use disorder. ConclusionsFindings suggest elevated levels of discrimination increase risk for mood and substance-use disorders. Importantly, results suggest the prevalence of mood and substance-use disorders is a function of the type and frequency of discrimination that individuals experience.

Mapping Real-World to Online Vulnerability in Young People with Developmental Disorders: Illustrations from Autism and Williams Syndrome

The Internet poses a new kind of threat, especially for those individuals already vulnerable in society. The current paper draws on the social phenotypes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Williams syndrome (WS) to propose that individuals with some developmental disorders face an elevated level of risk whilst online. Many individuals with ASD struggle to maintain social relations and are frequent users of screen-based technology, using the Internet to seek out social connections. Similarly, individuals with WS harbour an extreme pro-social drive to interact with others, both familiar and unfamiliar, and experience difficulties understanding the subtle nuances of social behaviour. Specific risk factors such as these are used to illustrate the case for online vulnerability in developmental disorders.

Searching new loci associated to autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia

Objectives: Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemias (ADH) are familiar defects associated to elevated levels of LDL-cholesterol and high risk of coronary heart disease. Mutations in LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes are the most frequent causes of ADH. However, molecular diagnosis of patients with ADH phenotype does not identify a causal mutation in 25% of cases, suggesting that the genetic background of ADH is heterogeneous.

FHA: Reforms to Protect Taxpayers and Borrowers

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has historically played a crucial role in supporting the housing market. The most recent financial and housing market crises would have been far worse if the FHA had not stepped in to provide mortgage credit. Providing that credit, however, required FHA to take on elevated levels of risk. FHA supports the housing market and homeownership in three ways. First, FHA helps to ensure that all those who can sustain homeownership have access to reasonably priced long-term, fixed-rate mortgages. Second, FHA helps to prevent the collapse of local, regional, or national housing markets when the private sector pulls back from offering mortgages. Third, FHA can promote innovation by piloting new products and underwriting and servicing practices. As the country looks to reform the housing finance system, this recent experience makes clear how important it is to both retain FHA and strengthen its ability to assess and manage risk. Addressing these issues immediately would help to further reduce risks to the Fund, protecting taxpayers and borrowers while allowing FHA to continue to serve its core missions.

Overweight and obese adults have low intentions of seeking weight-related care: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is growing worldwide. Obesity guidelines recommend increasing the level of weight-related care for persons with elevated levels of weight-related health risk (WRHR). However, there seems to be a discrepancy between need for and use of weight-related care. The primary aim of this study is to examine predisposing factors that may influence readiness to lose weight and intention to use weight-related care in an overweight population.MethodsA population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire sent to a population-representative sample of 1,500 Dutch adults on the Health Care Consumer Panel (n = 861 responded). Data were used from individuals (n = 445) with a mildly, moderately or severely elevated level of WRHR. WRHR status was based on self-reported data on Body Mass Index, risk assessment for diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), or co-morbidities.Results55.1% of persons with increased WRHR were ready to lose weight (n = 245). Depending on level of WRHR; educational level, marital status, individuals with an accurate perception of their weight and better perceptions and expectations of dietitians were significantly related to readiness to lose weight. Most of them preferred individual weight-loss methods (82.0% of n = 245). 11% (n = 26 of n = 245) intended to use weight-related care. Weight-related care seeking was higher for those with moderate or severe WRHR. Expectations and trust in dietitians did not seem to influence care seeking.ConclusionsMany Dutch adults who are medically in need of weight-related care are ready to lose weight. Most intend to lose weight individually, and only a few intend to use weight-related care. Therefore, obesity prevention initiatives should focus on monitoring weight change and weight-loss plans, and timely referral to obesity management. However, many people are not ready to lose weight. For this group, strategies for behaviour change may depend on WRHR, perceptions of weight and dietitians, educational level and marital status. Obesity prevention initiatives should focus on increasing the awareness of the seriousness of their condition and offering individually appropriate weight management programmes.

Assessment of the Risks of Transgenic Fluorescent Ornamental Fishes to the United States Using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK)

AbstractThree species of transgenic fluorescent ornamental fish are commercially available to the public in the United States—Zebra Danio Danio rerio, Black Tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, and Tiger Barb Systomus tetrazona. Despite qualitative assessments of the risks of these transgenic fishes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and two state agencies, critics argue that the risk assessment and approval processes were not transparent and that the results were never published or otherwise open to scientific scrutiny. We used an internationally recognized risk screening tool, the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK), to provide a transparent, peer‐reviewed assessment for the conterminous United States. We found that the three transgenic fluorescent ornamental fishes in question represent a low risk of invasiveness. Any risk is limited to the warmer regions of the country. No potential for hybridization with native species, little history of invasiveness elsewhere, a lack of traits associated with persistence, and small body size coupled with predation‐enhancing fluorescence all indicate that the ability of these species to become established and have impacts is limited even in warm regions. Our finding of low risk is consistent with the results of unpublished, qualitative agency assessments using expert panels or in‐house expertise. The risk screens identified few data gaps, areas of important uncertainty, or potentially elevated risk levels, thus suggesting that there would be limited gain to committing resources to a full risk assessment. A low‐risk result further indicates little need for risk management actions in addition to those already being taken. Risk screens such as FISK can have high value for managers because they capture important elements of risk, providing vital information for assessment and management decisions with relatively small investments in time and funding.

Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Aneurysms with Flow Diversion: Results in 44 Patients

Aneurysms of the cavernous segment of the ICA are difficult to treat with standard endovascular techniques, and ICA sacrifice achieves a high rate of occlusion but carries an elevated level of surgical complications and risk of de novo aneurysm formation. We report rates of occlusion and treatment-related data in 44 patients with cavernous sinus aneurysms treated with flow diversion. Patients with cavernous segment aneurysms treated with flow diversion were selected from a prospectively maintained data base of patients from 2009 to the present. Demographic information, treatment indications, number/type of flow diverters placed, outcome, complications (technical or clinical), and clinical/imaging follow-up data were analyzed. We identified 44 patients (37 females, 7 males) who had a flow diverter placed for treatment of a cavernous ICA aneurysm (mean age, 57.2; mean aneurysm size, 20.9 mm). The mean number of devices placed per patient was 2.2. At final angiographic follow-up (mean, 10.9 months), 71% had complete occlusion, and of those with incomplete occlusion, 40% had minimal remnants (<3 mm). In symptomatic patients, complete resolution or significant improvement in symptoms was noted in 90% at follow-up. Technical complications (which included, among others, vessel perforation in 4 patients, groin hematoma in 2, and asymptomatic carotid occlusion in 1) occurred in approximately 36% of patients but did not result in any clinical sequelae immediately or at follow-up. Our series of flow-diversion treatments achieved markedly greater rates of complete occlusion than coiling, with a safety profile that compares favorably with that of carotid sacrifice.

Range-Wide Threats to a Foundation Tree Species from Disturbance Interactions

The geographic range of tanoak, Notholithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Manos, Cannon & S. H. Oh (Fagaceae), encompasses tremendous physiographic variability, diverse plant communities, and complex disturbance regimes (e.g., development, timber harvest, and wildfire) that now also include serious threats posed by the invasive forest pathogen Phytophthora ramorum S. Werres, A.W.A.M. de Cock. Knowing where these disturbance factors interact is critical for developing comprehensive strategies for conserving the abundance, structure, and function of at-risk tanoak communities. In this study, we present a rule-based spatial model of the range-wide threat to tanoak populations from four disturbance factors that were parameterized to encode their additive effects and two-way interactions. Within a GIS, we mapped threats posed by silvicultural activities; disease caused by P. ramorum; human development; and altered fire regimes across the geographic range of tanoak, and we integrated spatially coinciding disturbances to quantify and map the additive and interacting threats to tanoak. We classified the majority of tanoak's range at low risk (3.7 million ha) from disturbance interactions, with smaller areas at intermediate (222,795 ha), and high (10,905 ha) risk. Elevated risk levels resulted from the interaction of disease and silviculture factors over small extents in northern California and southwest Oregon that included parts of Hoopa and Yurok tribal lands. Our results illustrate tanoak populations at risk from these interacting disturbances based on one set of hypothesized relationships. The model can be extended to other species affected by these factors, used as a guide for future research, and is a point of departure for developing a comprehensive understanding of threats to tanoak populations. Identifying the geographic location of disturbance interactions and risks to foundation species such as tanoak is critical for prioritizing and targeting conservation treatments with limited resources.

Survival analysis after head injury: is a normal INR reassuring?

Intracranial bleeding after head injury is an important issue in the emergency department (ED), and elevated INR increases this risk [1]. A retrospective study showed an association between different levels of normal INRs (<1.6) and elevated risk of intracranial bleeding, with a significant elevation of this risk over an INR threshold of 1.3 [2]. The objective of the study was to evaluate clinical impact of an INR within the normal range in patients with head trauma. We compared mortality between patients with INR <1.3 and those with INR ≥1.3 to <1.6.

BMI percentiles for the identification of abdominal obesity and metabolic risk in children and adolescents: evidence in support of the CDC 95th percentile

ObjectivesBMI percentiles have been routinely and historically used to identify elevated adiposity. This paper aimed to investigate the optimal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) body mass index (BMI) percentile that predicts elevated visceral adipose tissue (VAT), fat mass and cardiometabolic risk in a biracial sample of children and adolescents.Participants and MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 369 white and African American children (5–18 y). BMI was calculated using height and weight and converted to BMI percentiles based on CDC growth charts. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the optimal (balance of sensitivity and specificity) BMI percentile to predict the upper quartile of age-adjusted VAT (measured by magnetic resonance imaging), age-adjusted fat mass (measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and elevated cardiometabolic risk (≥ 2 of high glucose, triglycerides and blood pressure and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol) for each race-by-sex group.ResultsThe optimal CDC BMI percentile to predict those in the top quartile of age-adjusted VAT, age-adjusted fat mass and elevated cardiometabolic risk were the 96th, the 96th and the 94th percentiles, respectively, for the sample as a whole. Sensitivity and specificity was satisfactory (> 0.70) for VAT and fat mass. Compared to age-adjusted VAT and age-adjusted fat mass, there was a lower overall accuracy of the optimal percentile in identifying those with elevated cardiometabolic risk.ConclusionsThe present findings support the utility of the 95th CDC BMI percentile as a useful threshold for the prediction of elevated levels of VAT, fat mass and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01595100.

Accessing Autonomic Function Can Early Screen Metabolic Syndrome

BackgroundClinical diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome is time-consuming and invasive. Convenient instruments that do not require laboratory or physical investigation would be useful in early screening individuals at high risk of metabolic syndrome. Examination of the autonomic function can be taken as a directly reference and screening indicator for predicting metabolic syndrome.Methodology and Principal FindingsThe EZSCAN test, as an efficient and noninvasive technology, can access autonomic function through measuring electrochemical skin conductance. In this study, we used EZSCAN value to evaluate autonomic function and to detect metabolic syndrome in 5,887 participants aged 40 years or older. The EZSCAN test diagnostic accuracy was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves. Among the 5,815 participants in the final analysis, 2,541 were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome and the overall prevalence was 43.7%. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increased with the elevated EZSCAN risk level (p for trend <0.0001). Moreover, EZSCAN value was associated with an increase in the number of metabolic syndrome components (p for trend <0.0001). Compared with the no risk group (EZSCAN value 0–24), participants at the high risk group (EZSCAN value: 50–100) had a 2.35 fold increased risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome after the multiple adjustments. The area under the curve of the EZSCAN test was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.64) for predicting metabolic syndrome. The optimal operating point for the EZSCAN value to detect a high risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome was 30 in this study, while the sensitivity and specificity were 71.2% and 46.7%, respectively.Conclusions and SignificanceIn conclusion, although less sensitive and accurate when compared with the clinical definition of metabolic syndrome, we found that the EZSCAN test is a good and simple screening technique for early predicting metabolic syndrome.

In-situ Remediation of Hydrogen Fluoride during a Detonation Event

ABSTRACTHydrogen fluoride (HF) is a known product from the combustion or detonation of explosives formulated with fluoropolymer binder systems. This presents the user with elevated risk levels, particularly during unintended combustion events or detonations in close combat situations. In an effort to remediate the production of HF, calcium disilicide was added to explosive formulations in an effort to decrease the amount of HF formed. First, VitonA/calcium disilicide mixtures were made and the thermal decomposition characteristics studied using thermal gravimetric/differential thermal analysis. The activation energy ranged from approximately 145-190 kJ/mol, indicative of C-F scission in the Viton binder prior to calcium fluoride formation. An energetic formulation was made which consisted of approximately a 5/3 mass ratio of Viton/CaSi2. Combustion calorimetry in oxygen and air and subsequent analysis of the residues using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) revealed that calcium fluoride formed. The amount of HF reduced was determined by trapping off gases in a cooling loop, rinsing into water, and analysis in anion exchange chromatography. Upon introduction of calcium disilicide into the formulation, a ~30% decrease in HF formation was observed along with appearance of CaF2 and free Si in the residue. Such products are consistent with the mechanism following a general decomposition path of 2F + CaSi2→CaF2+2Si. The same formulation was detonated, and upon product analysis it was determined the decomposition path followed nearly the same route with a net decrease in HF formation, but with a portion of the silicon oxidizing slightly further to SiO2.

A preliminary risk assessment of the Australian region power network to space weather

It is well documented that power networks at high latitudes are vulnerable to the effects of space weather. In recent years the eastern Australia state power networks have been connected across state boundaries in order to improve robustness under increasing load demands and deliver power at competitive prices. However, this interconnectivity is likely to increase susceptibility of the network to space weather. Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) flow in power transmission lines as the result of “geoelectric” fields and their associated geomagnetic field variations according to Faraday's Law. In this paper previously documented occurrences of GIC activity from regions around the world are investigated and categorized by their effects on nearby power networks. A frequency domain filter that produces an index representing GIC activity is applied to geomagnetic field data recorded at locations near the documented GIC activity to determine risk level “GIC index” thresholds. Geomagnetic field data from the Australian region are processed using the “GIC filter” to provide a preliminary risk assessment of space weather related GIC activity to the Australian power network. The analysis suggests lower limit threshold GICy indices of 50, 100, 250, and 600 corresponding to the risk levels of “low,” “moderate,” “high,” and “extreme,” respectively. Analysis of GICy indices derived from Australian magnetometer data shows that only southern Australian regions reached the “moderate” risk levels defined in this study with mainland southern Australia stations reaching this risk level twice over the previous two solar cycles. Southern Australian regions such as Tasmania reached moderate levels approximately 20 times during the previous solar cycle. Furthermore, elevated risk levels are typically only observed in Australia during solar maximum and its decline phase.

The Language Functioning of Youth at Entry to Residential Treatment

Although much is known about the behavioral and educational characteristics of youth at entry to residential care, little is known about youth language performance. Given the impact of language deficits on outcomes, this study assessed the specific language skills of 70 adolescents at entry to a residential treatment setting. Results revealed elevated levels of risk across Core Language and comprehensive language indexes. Areas of greatest concern were with receptive language skills with just over 75% of the sample indicating some level of impairment. Implications for treatment and practice, study limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

A comparison of conditional autoregressive models used in Bayesian disease mapping

Disease mapping is the area of epidemiology that estimates the spatial pattern in disease risk over an extended geographical region, so that areas with elevated risk levels can be identified. Bayesian hierarchical models are typically used in this context, which represent the risk surface using a combination of available covariate data and a set of spatial random effects. These random effects are included to model any overdispersion or spatial correlation in the disease data, that has not been accounted for by the available covariate information. The random effects are typically modelled by a conditional autoregressive (CAR) prior distribution, and a number of alternative specifications have been proposed. This paper critiques four of the most common models within the CAR class, and assesses their appropriateness via a simulation study. The four models are then applied to a new study mapping cancer incidence in Greater Glasgow, Scotland, between 2001 and 2005.

Adiponectina e baixo risco cardiometabólico em obesas

To investigate the association between elevated levels of plasmatic adiponectin (AdipoQ) and low cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in obese women (O(b)W). Case-control study, matched by age, of 306 O(b)W, BMI > 30 kg/m², with 66 cases (21.6%) - all non-hypertensive, normolipidemic, and non-diabetic - conducted in SUS (Brazil's Public Health System) outpatient referral services for obesity in the City of Salvador, Brazil. Secondary data were collected from medical records; primary and complementary data were obtained from a clinical pathology laboratory. Values of AdipoQ > 10.00 µg/ml (> 3(rd) quartile) were considered elevated. Descriptive, bivariate, and conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. A statistically significant positive association between low CMR and AdipoQ > 10.00 µg/ml in physically active (AOR = 5.1; CI95%: 1.8-14.3), non-smoking (AOR = 3.6;CI95%: 1.6-8.4) O(b)W was found. This study suggests that physically active, non-smoking O(b)W, with higher AdipoQ levels, present greater chances of a low CMR. It becomes important to reinforce encouragement of the adoption of healthy behaviors, by means of public policies.

Insulin resistance is associated with at least threefold increased risk for prothrombotic state in severely obese youngsters

Obesity in childhood increases the risk for early adult cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully known. The aims of this study were to measure levels of prothrombotic factors and examine their possible association with obesity and insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents. A total of 313 obese children and adolescents were recruited. In a cross-sectional design, we measured anthropometric parameters, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-antigen (PAI-1-Ag), von Willebrand factor-antigen (vWF-Ag), fibrinogen (FB), lipids, fasting glucose, and insulin (FI) levels. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Boys presented significantly higher PAI-1-Ag levels than girls (82.6 vs. 71.3 ng/ml, p = 0.01). Higher levels of PAI-1-Ag (96.8 vs. 69 ng/ml, p < 0.001), vWF-Ag (123.5 vs. 107.6%, p = 0.004) but not FB (353.1 vs. 337.6 mg/dl, p = 0.137) were found in insulin-resistant (IR) participants after adjusted for age, gender, and pubertal stage. IR patients were at 2.98 (CI: 1.084-8.193) and 4.86 (CI: 1.119-15.606) times greater risk for high PAI-1-Ag and vWF-Ag levels, respectively. All three prothrombotic factors were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and FI levels (p < 0.05), but only PAI-1-Ag and vWF-Ag were significantly correlated with HOMA-IR index (p ≤ 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, both BMI and HOMA-IR indices remained significantly associated with PAI-1-Ag (r₂ = 0.225, p < 0.001) and vWF-Ag levels (r₂ =0.077, p = 0.003). This study shows that obesity in youngsters, when accompanied with insulin resistance, is associated with at least threefold increased risk for elevated levels of prothrombotic factors, contributing to the early development of atherothrombosis. This impaired prothrombotic state may partially explain the increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in adulthood.

Fluorescence monitoring at a recycled water treatment plant and associated dual distribution system – Implications for cross-connection detection

Dual distribution systems are becoming increasingly common in greenfield housing developments in Australia for the redistribution of recycled water to households for non-potable use. Within such schemes there exists the potential for cross-connections between recycled and drinking water systems. Due to the high level of recycled water treatment, these events are unlikely to lead to outbreaks of illness in the community. Nonetheless, they do represent a breach of the recycled water risk management strategy and therefore an elevated level of risk to consumers. Furthermore, cross-connection events have the potential to undermine public confidence in these types of water recycling. A rapid, highly sensitive method of cross-connection detection may therefore provide an additional level of confidence in these schemes. The aim of this research was to determine the potential for using fluorescence spectroscopy as a monitoring tool in water treatment plants and dual distribution systems. Samples from both the water recycling plant and dual distribution system were collected on a weekly basis over 12 weeks. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectra and water quality parameters including dissolved organic carbon, UV 254, pH, conductivity, free chlorine and turbidity were obtained for each sample. The fluorescence EEM spectra of recycled and drinking water were distinctly different and exhibited low variability throughout the course of the sampling program, indicating a degree of stability of the fluorescent components within the organic matter. A ten-fold difference in mean fluorescence intensity was observed for recycled water compared to drinking water, which was greater than the difference observed for the other measured water quality parameters. Probabilistic analysis was used to determine the reliable detection limit of recycled water contamination of drinking water. Accounting for the inherent variability of both recycled water and drinking water, a 45% contamination of recycled water in drinking water could be detected with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 3 for more than 95% of individual random sample pairs. Greater sensitivity can be assured by averaging numerous samples. In comparison, a 70% contamination of recycled water in drinking water was required for the same detection using conductivity.

Cardiovascular risk factors in men and women with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

We wished to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) before initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and without any declared or diagnosed pre-existing CV disorder. We wanted to compare the prevalence of these CV risk factors between men and women in an observational study. A questionnaire concerning CV risk factors was submitted to the patients, by a respiratory home-care technician at the time of installation of the CPAP treatment. The study population consisted of 1117 patients; 834 men, 283 women. The prevalence of arterial hypertension (HT), diabetes, obesity, active smoking, hyperlipidemia and family history of coronary heart disease was 54.1%, 22.8%, 65.8%, 18.3%, 33.8% and 20%, respectively. Women had significantly more HT (62.1 vs 51.4%), diabetes (29.9 vs 20.4%), obesity (77 vs 62%) and family history of coronary disease (25.1 vs 18.2%). The prevalence of active smoking was significantly higher in men (20.4 vs 12%). The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was not different between men and women (34.5 vs 31.8%). Stepwise logistic regression showed that HT and diabetes were both independently associated with BMI and age, while diabetes and not HT was independently associated with female gender. The prevalence of classical CV risk factors was very high in this population with OSAS requiring CPAP, especially in women. There is thus a very elevated CV risk level independent of that directly related to OSAS. It is important to screen for and treat classical CV risk factors in this population.