Predictor Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Prediction of cardiovascular risk factors from retinal fundus photographs: Validation of a deep learning algorithm in a prospective non-interventional study in Kenya.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major causes of morbidity and mortality, with growing burdens in low-income countries where they are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Advances in machine learning may provide opportunities to enhance diagnostics in settings with limited medical infrastructure. A non-interventional study was conducted to develop and validate a machine learning algorithm to estimate cardiovascular clinical and laboratory parameters. At two sites in Kenya, digital retinal fundus photographs were collected alongside blood pressure (BP), laboratory measures and medical history. The performance of machine learning models, originally trained using data from the UK Biobank, were evaluated for their ability to estimate BP, glycated haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and diagnoses from fundus images. In total, 301 participants were enrolled. Compared with the UK Biobank population used for algorithm development, participants from Kenya were younger and would probably report Black/African ethnicity, with a higher body mass index and prevalence of DM and hypertension. The mean absolute error was comparable or slightly greater for systolic BP, diastolic BP, glycated haemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The model trained to identify DM had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.762 (0.818 in the UK Biobank) and the hypertension model had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.765 (0.738 in the UK Biobank). In a Kenyan population, machine learning models estimated cardiovascular parameters with comparable or slightly lower accuracy than in the population where they were trained, suggesting model recalibration may be appropriate. This study represents an incremental step toward leveraging machine learning to make early cardiovascular screening more accessible, particularly in resource-limited settings.

A New Approach Using BMI and FMI as Predictors of Cardio-Vascular Risk Factors among Mexican Young Adults.

The study aimed to identify accurate cut-off points for waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI), and to determine their effective accuracy to predict cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1730 Mexican young adults. Adiposity measures and CVRFs were assessed under fasting conditions. The optimal cut-off points were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the associations between anthropometric measurements and CVRFs. The cut-off values found, in females and males, respectively, for high WC (≥72.3 and ≥84.9), high BF% (≥30 and ≥22.6), high BMI (≥23.7 and ≥24.4), high FMI (≥7.1 and ≥5.5), and low FFMI (≤16 and ≤18.9) differ from those set by current guidelines. High BMI in women, and high FMI in men, assessed by the 50th percentile, had the best discriminatory power in detecting CVRFs, especially high triglycerides (OR: 3.07, CI: 2.21-4.27 and OR: 3.05, CI: 2.28-4.08, respectively). Therefore, these results suggest that BMI and FMI measures should be used to improve the screening of CVRFs in Mexican young adults.

Evaluation of MMP-9 with atherogenic index and electrocardiogram as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients

Hypertension is the strongest or one of the strongest risk factors for almost all different cardiovascular diseases acquired during life, including coronary disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and valvular heart diseases. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of MMP-9 and AIP in mild to moderate hypertensive patients. : A total of 162 patients with hypertensive case were recruited and compared with the 100 normotensive controls from the Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital Bareilly. Parameters include waist circumference (WC), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Lipid profile with Atherogenic Index, and Matrix metalloproteinase-2 were estimated in the plasma of all the test groups. Electrocardiography (ECG) was also performed as a cardiovascular tool.There was a significantly increased concentration of WC, FBS, and Lipid parameters except for HDL which is slightly lower in the case group when compared to the control group. The concentration of MMP-9 was also increased, which is positively significant. The mean value of the P-R interval, QRS complex, and QT interval was also increased in hypertensive as compared to the controls.Atherogenic index and MMP-9 are significantly higher in hypertensive patients. So, it could be a biomarker of cardiovascular disease.

17890 Cardiovascular risk factors in victims of child sexual abuse

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The impact of this study is to encourage health professionals to screen for violent experiences as potential risk factors for CVD and adapt interventions from the non-abused in children as in adults. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This study aims to assess the relationship between child sexual abuse and cardiovascular risk factors (CVDRF) that present in children. The objectives will provide the prevalence of CVDRF, their association with types of sexual victimization, and a score to assess the impact. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study is a chart review, cross-sectional study. The Puerto Rico Health Justice Center (PRHJC) is a forensic, transdisciplinary, victim-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based service. The demographic variables collected are age, sex; the cardiovascular risk factors variables include a level of physical activity, tobacco exposure/alcohol, vital signs (blood pressure, BMI), lipid profile, and C-reactive protein. Sexual violence variables are the type of victimization (sexual assault, sexual molestation), the number of victimizations, and the relationship with the offender. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A previous study, which examined types of evidence related to the prosecution of sexual violence cases, found that among female victims, 54% was a victim of sexual assault, and 59% had at least one health concern. The study’s hypothesis includes that older and female victims have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Also, children victims of sexual assault will have more cardiovascular risk factors than victims of sexual molestation. The age group, sex, number of victimizations, and relationship with the offender will also impact the relationship between the type of victimization and cardiovascular risk factors. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Early identification of child sexual abuse is needed to prevent long-term health impacts. The study’s results will be significant in developing clinical guidelines for health care providers to identify child sexual abuse as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors and encourage victim advocates to identify cardiovascular risk factors.

Prevalence, incidence and predictors of cardiovascular risk factors: longitudinal data from rural and urban South India and comparison with global data

IntroductionIndia has high mortality rates from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding the trends and identifying modifiable determinants of CVD risk factors will guide preventive strategies and policy making.Research design and methodsCVD...

Atherogenic index of plasma as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors in Mexicans aged 18 to 22 years

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the use and application of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors including mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome in a population of young Mexican adults. Values were obtained for metabolic parameters, such as glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol (total, high-density, low-density, and very low density), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and uric acid. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, parametric comparisons were applied and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of hyperuricemia, hypertension, mixed hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome from a high AIP. Metabolic parameters and AIP had a significant correlation, with higher rates observed with increased AIP. As a set, metabolic parameters increased with an AIP >0.21 (λ Wilks = 0.58, F(14,344) = 7.7, P < 0.0001). The area under the curve was statistically significant for prediction of hyperuricemia (0.6), mixed hyperlipidemia (0.9), hypertension (0.8), and metabolic syndrome (0.95). In conclusion, in a sample of young Mexican adults, AIP was strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors and could serve as a useful marker for the prediction of metabolic alterations related to cardiovascular disease.

Technological Advancements Fail To Elicit Improvements In CVD Detection

Modern and more sophisticated body composition instruments may offer superior determination of cardiovascular risk compared to older, more simple assessments such as body mass index (BMI). PURPOSE: To determine whether the Fit3D-calculated measurement of "Body Shape Rating" (BSR) is more accurate than BMI as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: 17 subjects (7 female, 10 male; aged 18-26) underwent laboratory testing beginning with a body composition assessment by the Fit3D (FIT3D Inc., San Mateo, CA). Subjects then had their heart rate and blood pressure recorded in a resting state before, during, and after a treadmill exercise bout. Descriptive statistics characterized the study sample and simple linear regressions tested the relationships between BSR and blood pressure. RESULTS: In the pre-exercise measurements, BSR correlative measures with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were: r= -0.082 (P=0.755), r= -0.052 (P= 0.843), and r= -0.102 (P= 0.698) respectively. In the post measures, BSR correlative values with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were: r= -0.128 (P= 0.625), r= -0.073 (P= 0.782), r= -0.102 (P= 0.698) respectively. CONCLUSION: In our sample, BSR failed to elicit significant correlations with blood pressure. While the Fit3D offers a clear technological improvement to simple anthropometric measurements, the pre- and post-exercise measurements did not indicate utility in determining cardiovascular risk.

Body composition evaluation by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis in childhood acute leukemia survivors

Background: survivors of childhood acute leukemia are at risk for obesity. The purpose was to evaluate the different clinical measurements of body composition and to compare with body mass index (BMI). Methods: cross-sectional study of 39 survivors with more than ten years of survivorship since diagnosis. Anthropometry and body composition accuracy measurements were determined and also obesity risk factors. Results: obesity prevalence by body fat percentage were: 38.5% for BMI; 46.1% for waist circumference; 51.3% for skinfolds and 56.4% for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). There was a good correlation among the measurements, but BMI underestimated the percent body fat among childhood leukemia survivors in comparison with: waist circumference (-1.03 ± 2.01), skinfolds (-2.95 ± 5.78) and BIA (-3.78 ± 7.4), and this bias appears to be more variable with increasing percent of body fat > 30%. Three patients showed sarcopenia and only one sarcopenic obesity. Waist circumference fat mass was the better predictor of cardiovascular risk factors (LDL-cholesterol: r = 0.703; HDL-cholesterol: r = -0.612; p < 0.05 and hypertension: OR 4.17; IC 95%: 1.012-19.3). Obesity risk factors were: female sex, high-risk tumor, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Conclusions: BMI underestimates obese childhood leukemia survivors in comparison with waist circumference, skinfolds and bioelectrial impedance analysis. BMI use could misclassify obese survivors as non-obese. Female sex, high tumoral risk and coadyuvant treatments (radiotherapy and stem cell transplant) are risk factors for adiposity.

A comparison of body mass index and percent body fat as predictors of cardiovascular risk factors

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of global mortality and morbidity. Body mass index (BMI) is the measure of adiposity that is used most frequently in CVD risk algorithms. AimsWe aimed to assess the relationship between several CVD risk factors (RFs) and percent body fat (PBF), and to compare the predictive values obtained using PBF for these cardiovascular RFs with the values obtained using BMI. The CVD RFs included, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM) and the presence of dyslipidemia (DLP). Methods and materialsThe data were derived from the MASHAD study, a cohort study of 9704 volunteers, aged 35–65 years and living in the city of Mashhad. Based on BMI and PBF values, subjects were classified into 4 groups; group 1 (low or normal BMI and PBF, N = 1670), group 2 (low or normal BMI but high PBF, N = 992), group 3 (high BMI and low or normal PBF, N = 837), and group 4 (high BMI and PBF, N = 6245). Chi-square, covariance and logistic regression were used to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05. ResultsThere was an increasing trend from group 1 to group 4 for the mean values of all CVD RFs and their prevalence. There were significant differences in the frequency of a low HDL-C, this was substantially higher in Group 3 (38.6% in Group 3 versus 12.2% in Group 2); the frequency of a high serum TG (24% in Group 3 versus 9.9% in Group 2) and the frequency of dyslipidemia overall (56.2% in Group 3 and 28.8% in Group 2) (P-value<0.001 for all comparisons). The frequency of hypertension (22.9% in Group 3 versus 16.2% in Group 2) and IFG (8.5% in Group 3 versus 5.0% in Group 2) were also substantially higher in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (P-value<0.001 for both comparisons). All the mean values for the RFs were higher in group 3 from group 2 except HDL-C. When Group 1 was used as a reference and calculated OR of any RF for any group 2–4 rather than group 1, OR for all RF in group 3 was higher from group 2. ConclusionThe differences in frequency, means and OR of RFs between Groups 2 and 3 showed a differential impact of a high BMI or high PBF. Compared to PBF, BMI may be a better predictor for several RFs for CVD.

Waist circumference percentile curves as a screening tool to predict cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome risk in Brazilian children.

The goals of this study were to develop reference values for waist circumference (WC) in Brazilian children between 6-10 years old and to evaluate the WC performance in predicting cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children. This is a population-based epidemiological cross-sectional study, in which 1,397 children participated, with a 6-10 years old probability sampling and from public and private schools in the city of Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. WC was measured at the waist narrowest point (WC1) and at the umbilicus level (WC2). Blood samples and blood pressure were collected to determine the MetS diagnosis. There was a significant effect of age (p = 0.001), anatomical point (WC1 vs. WC2, p = 0.001) and sex-anatomical point interaction (p = 0.016) for WC. Smoothed sex- and age-specific 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentile curves of WC1 and WC2 were designed by the LMS method. WC was accurate to predict MetS, for all ages [area under the ROC curve (AUC) > 0.79 and p < 0.05], regardless of sex. This study presented percentile curves for WC at two anatomical points in a representative sample of Brazilian children. Furthermore, WC was shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk factors and MetS in children.

Prediction of cardiovascular risk factors from retinal fundus photographs via deep learning.

Traditionally, medical discoveries are made by observing associations, making hypotheses from them and then designing and running experiments to test the hypotheses. However, with medical images, observing and quantifying associations can often be difficult because of the wide variety of features, patterns, colours, values and shapes that are present in real data. Here, we show that deep learning can extract new knowledge from retinal fundus images. Using deep-learning models trained on data from 284,335 patients and validated on two independent datasets of 12,026 and 999 patients, we predicted cardiovascular risk factors not previously thought to be present or quantifiable in retinal images, such as age (mean absolute error within 3.26 years), gender (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.97), smoking status (AUC = 0.71), systolic blood pressure (mean absolute error within 11.23 mmHg) and major adverse cardiac events (AUC = 0.70). We also show that the trained deep-learning models used anatomical features, such as the optic disc or blood vessels, to generate each prediction.

Obstructive sleep apnea as predictor of cardiovascular risk factors in male adolescents with essential hypertension

Obstructive sleep apnea as predictor of cardiovascular risk factors in male adolescents with essential hypertension

Correlation between Glycated Hemoglobin and Triglyceride Level in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

ContextDyslipidemia is quite prevalent in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Maintaining tight glycemic along with lipid control plays an essential role in preventing micro- and macro-vascular complications associated with diabetes. PurposeThe main purpose of the study was to highlight the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglyceride levels. This may in turn help in predicting the triglyceride status of type 2 diabetics and therefore identifying patients at increased risk from cardiovascular events. Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the common risk factors for coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Careful monitoring of the blood glucose level can be used to predict lipid status and can prevent most of the complications associated with the disease.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study using data collected from the outpatient diabetic clinic of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, Pakistan. Patients of age 18 years and above were recruited from the clinic. A total of consenting 509 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled over a period of 11 months. For statistical analysis, SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0 ( IBM Corp, Armonk, New York) was used and Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to find the association between triglyceride and HbA1c. The HbA1c was dichotomized into four groups on the basis of cut-off. Chi-square was used for association between HbA1c with various cut-off values and high triglyceride levels. Odds-ratio and its 95% confidence interval were calculated to estimate the level of risk between high triglyceride levels and HbA1c groups. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all the tests applied for significance.ResultThe association of high triglyceride was evaluated in four different groups of HbA1c, with a cut-off seven, eight, nine and 10 respectively. With HbA1c cut-off value of 7%, 74% patients had high triglycerides and showed a significant association with high triglyceride levels at p < 0.001 and odds ratio was 2.038 (95% confidence interval: 1.397 – 2.972). Logistic regression models were adjusted for demographic factors (age, race, gender), lifestyle factors (smoking, body mass index, lifestyle) and health status factors (blood pressure, physician-rated health status).ConclusionAfter adjusting for relevant covariates, glycated hemoglobin was positively correlated with high triglyceride. Hence, HbA1c can be an indicator of triglyceride level and can be one of the predictors of cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Anthropometric variables and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents

Background: Childhood Obesity is increasing worldwide including the developing countries. Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) is likely to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, waist circumference (WC), a marker of central adiposity, may be better indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. In children, the relationship between body-fat distribution and disease risk factors is not yet clear. Hence this study was undertaken to explore the relationship between anthropometric variables, lipid concentrations, and blood pressure (BP) and to assess the clinical relevance of waist circumference in identifying children with higher cardiovascular risk. Methods: A total of 610 children (355 boys and 255 girls) were studied. Height, weight, waist circumference, BP and plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apo-lipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), and Apo-lipoprotein B (Apo-B) were determined. Results: The plasma lipid profile and blood pressure was significantly higher in children with high waist circumference than in children with normal waist circumference. Waist circumference showed strong association with plasma lipid profile and blood pressure (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Since WC is a good predictor of cardiovascular risk factors, we suggest that all children with high WC should undergo routine screening for hypertension and abnormal lipid profile.

WITHDRAWN: Could some epigenetic modifications hold the key to opposing the metabolic syndrome?

// Giovanni Tarantino 1,2,* , Matteo Nicola Di Minno 1,* and Carmine Finelli 3,* 1 Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, Naples, Italy 2 Centro Ricerche Oncologiche di Mercogliano, Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori “Fondazione Giovanni Pascale”, IRCCS, Italy, Italy 3 Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Ospedale S. Maria della Pieta – ASL Napoli 3 Sud, Nola (Na), Italy * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Giovanni Tarantino, email: // Keywords : non alcoholic fatty liver diseases, metabolic syndrome, epigenetics, microRNAs, PUFAs Received : January 27, 2016 Accepted : December 12, 2016 Epub : December 21, 2016 Abstract The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diseases has been increasingly recognized over recent years. Due to the intrinsic flexibility of the chromatin structure both in response to diet and environment, and as a result of foreseeable therapeutic interventions, epigenetics has emerged as a promising conceptual frame to investigate chronic degenerative disorders. This applies particularly to diet-driven and environment-driven metabolic disorders, such as obesity and its complications, including atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Current evidence strongly suggests that chronic inflammation is a landmark of obesity, atherosclerosis, and NAFLD, and that markers of inflammation are important predictors of cardiovascular risk factors. A crucial question is how pro-inflammatory gene expression patterns are established and maintained in the aforementioned illnesses. Epigenetic gene regulation is a partially new entry in the field of cardiovascular diseases. Epigenetic modifications provide attractive candidate disease mechanisms by explaining, in principle, how diet, environment and lifestyle might impose aberrant gene expression patterns in the individual’s lifetime, which can also be considered the result of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance. The main long-term goals in this field are to identify and understand the role of the epigenetic marks that could be used as early predictors of metabolic risk, and possibly develop drugs or diet-related treatments able to delay these epigenetic changes or even reverse them. Therefore, a continued and greater understanding of these mechanisms will eventually help identify individuals at high risk of the Metabolic Syndrome, and develop therapeutic interventions, in accordance with current global government strategy, utilizing also PUFA rich foods.

Anthropometric measurements in childhood and prediction of cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood: Kaunas cardiovascular risk cohort study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements in childhood and adulthood as well as the effect of childhood body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness in the prediction of adult cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThe Study subjects were participants of the Kaunas Cardiovascular Risk Cohort study. They were 12–13 years old at the time of the baseline survey (1977) and 48–49 years old in the 35-year follow-up survey (2012, n = 506). In childhood, height, weight, subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness measurements were taken. In 2012, health examination involved measurements of blood pressure (BP), BMI, waist circumference, glucose, lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associations of childhood BMI and skinfold thicknesses as well as BMI gain with cardiovascular risk factors in middle age. All logistic regression models were adjusted for sex, physical activity level, alcohol consumption, smoking and family history of obesity.ResultsOver 35 years of follow-up, BMI gain was greater in men than in women. Anthropometric measurements in childhood significantly correlated with values measured in adulthood. The highest correlation coefficients were defined for weight and BMI measurements (in girls r = 0.56 and r = 0.51 respectively; in boys r = 0.45 and r = 0.41 respectively, P < 0.001). Mean values of change in BMI were similar in all quintiles of childhood BMI; however, prevalence of adult obesity increased considerably with increasing quintiles. The risk of adult obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycaemia or type 2 diabetes, and elevated level of high-sensitivity CRP increased with a rise in childhood BMI and skinfold thicknesses, irrespectively of BMI gain from childhood to adulthood. No relationship was found between childhood anthropometric measurements and arterial hypertension, raised level of triglycerides or reduced level of HDL cholesterol. Gain in BMI from childhood to adulthood was associated with increased odds of all above-mentioned risk factors independently of childhood BMI.ConclusionsRisk of metabolic syndrome, hyperglycaemia and diabetes, and elevated high-sensitivity CRP may be affected by childhood BMI and skinfold thickness, while risk of hypertension, raised triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol is associated more strongly with BMI gain from childhood to adulthood.

The Best Central Adiposity Index in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in South-Western Nigeria

Objective: To determine the best index of central obesity that predicts cardiovascular risk factors (general obesity and hypertension). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving nine hundred and sixteen (443 males and 473 females) participants of a community health survey in Sagamu and Remo-North Local Government Areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of the participants were determined by standard protocols. Pearson correlation between BMI and the three central obesity indices was determined. The area under curve (AUC) on the ROC was used to determine the best measure of central obesity which identified individuals with general obesity and hypertension. Results: WHtR and WC were better than WHR at detecting the presence of both general obesity and hypertension in both males (WHtR vs WHR {difference in areas = 0.131} p < 0.0001; WC vs WHR {difference in areas = 0.132} p < 0.0001), and females (WHtR and WHR {difference in areas = 0.214} p < 0.0001; WC and WHR {difference in areas = 0.205} p < 0.0001). Conclusions: WHtR is as good as WC but better than WHR in identifying individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, and may also be a good criterion to diagnose metabolic syndrome.

Evaluation of waist-to-hip ratio as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors

Background: Abdominal obesity judged by increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. One of the mechanisms postulated by which truncal obesity increases coronary risk is high blood pressure (BP). It is essential to identify the best anthropometric index in any population to predict cardiovascular risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the correlations between anthropometric data such as body mass index (BMI) and WHR with BP. Materials and Methods: A representative clinically healthy sample of 150 individuals (75 men and 75 women) aged between 20 and 80 years was selected and anthropometric indices and BP were measured according to standard protocol. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was applied to evaluate the correlation. Result: There was a positive correlation between BMI and WHR with BP in both the male and female subjects. The WHR had strongest correlation in men and women with both systolic and diastolic BPs. Conclusion: It can be concluded that WHR is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI.

Low Birth Weight as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Childhood and Adolescence? The PEP Family Heart Study.

Background:Low birth weight is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. Because data in children and adolescents are sparse and controversial, we assessed the association of birth weight with CVD risk factors in German youths.Methods:We categorized 843 urban children and adolescents aged 3-18 years by quintiles of birth weight and measured nine traditional risk factors in terms of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, Non HDL-C and triglycerides (TG). SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis.Results:Mean values and prevalence of nine anthropometric and lipid risk variables were equally distributed over the five birth weight groups. Though risk factors clustered between 3.0 kg and 4.0 kg of birth weight in both genders we found only one significant correlation of birth weight with TG for males and females and another one for HDL-C in males. The strongest clustering of significant regression coefficients occurred in the 2nd birth weight quintile for SBP (ß 0.018), TC (ß -0.050), LDL-C (ß -0.039), non LDL-C (ß -0.049) and log TG (ß -0.001) in males and females.Conclusions:Overall we did not find significant associations between birth weight and nine traditional cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents. However, the 2nd quintile of birth weight might suggest clustering of risk factors.

Job strain (demands and control model) as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors among petrochemical personnel

Background:One of the practical models for the assessment of stressful working conditions due to job strain is job demand and control model, which explains how physical and psychological adverse consequences, including cardiovascular risk factors can be established due to high work demands (the amount of workload, in addition to time limitations to complete that work) and low control of the worker on his/her work (lack of decision making) in the workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate how certain cardiovascular risk factors (including body mass index [BMI], heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking) and the job demand and job control are related to each other.Materials and Methods:This prospective cohort study was conducted on 500 workers of the petrochemical industry in south of Iran, 2009. The study population was selected using simple random statistical method. They completed job demand and control questionnaire. The cardiovascular risk factors data was extracted from the workers hygiene profiles. Chi-square (χ2) test and hypothesis test (η) were used to assess the possible relationship between different quantified variables, individual demographic and cardiovascular risk factors.Results:The results of this study revealed that a significant relationship can be found between job demand control model and cardiovascular risk factors. Chi-square test result for the heart rate showed the highest (χ2 = 145.078) relationship, the corresponding results for smoking and BMI were χ2 = 85.652 and χ2 = 30.941, respectively. Subsequently, hypothesis testing results for cholesterol and hypertension was 0.469 and 0.684, respectively.Discussion:Job strain is likely to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular risk factors among male staff in a petrochemical company in Iran. The parameters illustrated in the Job demands and control model can act as acceptable predictors for the probability of job stress occurrence followed by showing a high trend of CVD risk factors.