Affiliation:
1. the Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway (I.N., E.A.), and National Health Screening Service, Oslo, Norway (P.G.L.-L.).
Abstract
Background
Geographical differences in stroke mortality are not fully explained by population variations in blood pressure and antihypertensive treatment. Some studies have suggested that factors connected with health and nutrition in early life may be related to stroke morbidity and mortality. Body height is a sensitive marker for socioeconomic conditions, but results are conflicting as to whether height is associated with stroke.
Methods and Results
In a population-based study, we investigated stroke incidence in relation to height and classic cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 13 266 men and women 35 to 52 years of age were followed for 14 years, and 241 first events of stroke were registered. Stroke incidence was 36% higher in men. Height was inversely related to stroke in a dose-response manner. Per 5-cm increase in height, the age-adjusted risk of stroke was 25% lower in women (
P
<.0001) and 18% lower in men (
P
=.0007). Systolic blood pressure and daily smoking were positively associated with stroke in both sexes, while serum triglyceride level was a significant risk factor in women only (relative risk per 1 mmol/L, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.5). The associations remained after adjustment for possible confounders and were also observed in certain subtypes of stroke.
Conclusions
The results are consistent with the theory that factors influencing early growth as well as adult lifestyle factors contribute to cerebrovascular disease in adult age.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Physiology (medical),Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Reference48 articles.
1. Central Bureau of Statistics Norway. Regional Mortality 1981-1985. Oslo-Kongsvinger Norway: Central Bureau of Statistics; 1988.
2. National Health Screening Service Oslo Health Services of Finnmark Sogn og Fjordane and Oppland counties Ulleva˚l Hospital Central Laboratory Oslo. The Cardiovascular Disease Study in Norwegian Counties. Results From Second Screening. Oslo Norway: National Health Screening Service; 1988.
3. Udjus LG. Anthropometrical Changes in Norwegian Men in the Twentieth Century. Oslo Norway: Universitetsforlaget; 1964.
4. Johnston FE. Somatic growth of the infant and preschool child. In: Falkner F Tanner JM eds. Human Growth. Vol 2. New York/London: Plenum Press; 1986:3-23.
Cited by
79 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献