Synergistic effects of risk factors

Abstract

Risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, congestive heart failure and total mortality were analysed in two random population samples of men in Gothenburg, Sweden, aged 50 and 47-55 years, respectively, at entry. A series of potential risk factors for the above mentioned end-points have been analysed in univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Population attributable risks were also calculated. Significant risk factors in multivariate analyses are summarized. For CHD they were: family history of CHD, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, tobacco smoking, psychologic stress, low social class and diabetes mellitus. In hypertensives, proteinuria was measured and found to be significant also. Stroke risk factors were: family history of stroke, blood pressure, smoking, high waist/hip ratio, high plasma fibrinogen, psychologic stress, proteinuria, atria fibrillation and transitory ischemic attacks. Hypertension, smoking, high waist/hip ratio and psychologic stress were risk factors for congestive heart failure.