Health behavior risk factors across age as predictors of cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
The current study examines the prevalence of health risk behaviors and their cumulative effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among a sample of adults. Age cohort is also examined to determine the role of age in predicting CVD and risky health behaviors.


METHODS
Medical records of a sample of adults from the Seattle Longitudinal Study categorized into one of four age-group cohorts were examined. Data regarding participants' health risk behaviors were examined individually and cumulatively for predicting later CVD diagnosis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of CVD increases with age, obesity, and risky medical checkups. Female risky sleepers are more likely to receive a CVD diagnosis than men who report risky sleep patterns (p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
A high risk of CVD appears to exist for adults across the life span, and several risky health behaviors also seem to place individuals more at risk for being diagnosed with CVD.
Cardi
Michelle
M
University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
Munk
Niki
N
Zanjani
Faika
F
Kruger
Tina
T
Schaie
K Warner
KW
Willis
Sherry L
SL
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003729:Dental Care; D003935:Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012890:Sleep; D012907:Smoking; D014481:United States