A comparison of first event coronary heart disease rates in two contrasting California populations.
OBJECTIVE
To directly evaluate whether a population, many of whom are vegetarian or near vegetarian, does experience less coronary heart disease (CHD).


METHODS
Two concurrent California observational studies,one with unusual dietary habits, are compared. Similar diagnostic criteria were used in both the Adventist Health Study and the Stanford Five-City Project.


RESULTS
Age-standardized rate ratios (Adventist/Stanford study) for first event fatal CHD were 0.59 (95% confidence interval,0.43-0.80) in men and 0.49(0.32-0.76) in women. Similar ratios for first event myocardial infarction were 0.60(0.47-0.78) and 0.46 (0.33-0.65). Ratios are usually much lower at younger ages or when comparisons include only vegetarian Adventists.


CONCLUSIONS
Lifestyle factors can markedly change the first-event CHD experience of whole populations, and appear to especially protect against premature events.
Fraser
G E
GE
Center for Health Research, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. gfraser@sph.llu.edu
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002835:Christianity; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality*; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires