Chronic Nasal Congestion at Night Is a Risk Factor for Snoring in a Population-Based Cohort Study
In this longitudinal, population-based study, Young et al analyzed self-reported data on nighttime nasal congestion and snoring at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. Severe nasal congestion at night was a strong independent risk factor for habitual snoring, particularly for people with severe congestion persisting over the 5-year study period. Chronic, severe congestion at night was associated with 5-fold increased odds of habitual snoring at follow-up.
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Physical Activity and Television Watching in Relation to Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Men
Hu et al tracked physical activity and television-viewing habits in nearly 38 000 men between the ages of 40 and 75 years from 1986 through 1996. During the 10 years of follow-up, 1058 new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were reported. Greater average daily time spent viewing television was associated with a greater risk for diabetes.
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Relationship of Blood Pressure to 25-Year Mortality Due to Coronary Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases, and All Causes in Young Adult Men: The Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry
Few studies have focused on the relationship between blood pressure in young adults and long-term mortality. Guidelines for hypertension screening and treatment have been based mainly on findings for middle-aged and older populations. This study assessed the relationship of blood pressure (BP) to long-term (25-year) mortality resulting from coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and all causes. The cohort consisted of 10 874 men aged 18 to 39 years at baseline. Using the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure classification for systolic and diastolic BP, men with high-normal BP and stage 1 hypertension had a higher risk of death and a shorter life expectancy. Above-normal BP is significantly related to increased long-term mortality resulting from CHD, CVD, and other causes in young men. The study underscores the need for prevention, early detection, and control of high BP levels starting in young adulthood.
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Temporal Trends (1986-1997) in Cholesterol Level Assessment and Management Practices in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based Perspective
The need for assessment and prompt treatment of elevated serum cholesterol levels in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is emphasized by findings from the population-based Worcester Heart Attack Study. Declines over time (1986-1997) in the measurement of total cholesterol levels in patients hospitalized with AMI were noted. In 1997 fewer than one fourth of patients with confirmed AMI had their cholesterol measured, and only 15% of patients had a complete lipid profile performed during the index hospitalization. Contrary to expectations, elderly people, women, and patients with a history of cardiovascular disease were significantly less likely to have their serum cholesterol levels measured on hospital admission. Despite the increased use of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with AMI, the absolute rate of use of this therapy remained low, even in the late 1990s. These findings suggest a need for improvement and treatment of this important coronary risk factor.
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