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The Cardiovascular Health Study: design and rationale.

TitleThe Cardiovascular Health Study: design and rationale.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1991
AuthorsFried, LP, Borhani, NO, Enright, P, Furberg, CD, Gardin, JM, Kronmal, RA, Kuller, LH, Manolio, TA, Mittelmark, MB, Newman, A
JournalAnn Epidemiol
Volume1
Issue3
Pagination263-76
Date Published1991 Feb
ISSN1047-2797
KeywordsAged, Cerebrovascular Disorders, Coronary Disease, Epidemiologic Methods, Female, Health Status, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Physical Examination, Research Design, Risk Factors, United States
Abstract<p>The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) is a population-based, longitudinal study of coronary heart disease and stroke in adults aged 65 years and older. The main objective of the study is to identify factors related to the onset and course of coronary heart disease and stroke. CHS is designed to determine the importance of conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older adults, and to identify new risk factors in this age group, especially those that may be protective and modifiable. The study design called for enrollment of 1250 men and women in each of four communities: Forsyth County, North Carolina; Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eligible participants were sampled from Medicare eligibility lists in each area. Extensive physical and laboratory evaluations were performed at baseline to identify the presence and severity of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and glucose intolerance; subclinical disease such as carotid artery atherosclerosis, left ventricular enlargement, and transient ischemia; and clinically overt CVD. These examinations in CHS permit evaluation of CVD risk factors in older adults, particularly in groups previously under-represented in epidemiologic studies, such as women and the very old. The first of two examination cycles began in June 1989. A second comprehensive examination will be repeated three years later. Periodic interim contacts are scheduled to ascertain and verify the incidence of CVD events, the frequency of recurrent events, and the sequellae of CVD.</p>
DOI10.1016/1047-2797(91)90005-w
Alternate JournalAnn Epidemiol
PubMed ID1669507