More than 11,000 young men aged 18 to 39 were invited to participate in this long-term study. A number of health factors were assessed through periodic questionnaires. The questions included the number of cigarettes smoked each day, medical history and family history, as well as prior treatment for diabetes and hypertension. Measurements were also taken at each follow-up appointment, such as heart rhythm abnormalities, cholesterol level, blood pressure, and weight.
To find out whether the lifestyle factors that predict death due to heart disease also apply to predicting heart disease development in a young male population, these responses and measurements were compared to a baseline group of men aged 40 to 59. The study found that about half of the young men were smokers, smoking an average of 21 cigarettes each day, and had higher than normal cholesterol levels as well as heart rhythm abnormalities. Of the men tracked for 20 years, 155 men died of some form of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers believe that since the risk of fatal heart disease can be predicted given particular lifestyle habits, attempts should be made to screen young men at the age of 20 onwards to decrease the number of deaths and complications due to heart disease. "Education was protective in both young and middle-aged men," says lead researcher Philip Greenland, M.D. The researchers say they are hopeful young men can be encouraged to change their lifestyle before permanent damage is done.
Source: www.chennaionline.com/health/homearticles/youngheart.asp
Adolescent Depression And High
Receptivity To Tobacco Ads May Lead To Teen Smoking
* * *
Contacat
Us
Men at Risk™ is a project of The National Men's Resource
Center™
©1996-2011, The National Men's Resource Center