Change in Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Young Adults

To prospectively examine changes in lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure among 295 young adults who had been followed for sixteen years in the Beaver County Lipid Study. The Beaver County Lipid Study tracked the cholesterol values of 295 children, ages 11 to 14 at baseline.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies of coronary risk factors have been performed primarily in populations of middle-aged adults, children, and adolescents. Relatively little is known about these risk factors in men and women 20-29 years of age. This study provided important insights into the determinants of coronary heart disease risk factors in young adults and bolstered the argument of those who favor the early identification of and intervention in the young coronary candidate. DESIGN NARRATIVE: Three cross-sectional examinations had been carried out: 1) 1972-1973; 2) 1980-1981; and 3) 1988-1989. The study examined the predictors of change in total cholesterol (from examination 1 to examination 3, and change in LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides between examinations 2 and 3. It also investigated the stability in several health habits and behaviors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol use, adherence to a low fat/low cholesterol diet, and physical activity. Weight gain and oral contraceptive use had been shown in previous analyses to be strong predictors of several lipids and lipoproteins. The study completion date listed in this record was obtained from the "End Date" entered in the Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) record.