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Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health logoLink to Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
. 1989 Sep;43(3):223–227. doi: 10.1136/jech.43.3.223

Skinfold thickness, body mass index and ischaemic heart disease.

J D Imeson 1, A P Haines 1, T W Meade 1
PMCID: PMC1052840  PMID: 2607299

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between obesity and subsequent incidence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). DESIGN: Prospective cohort survey. SETTING: Study of three occupational groups, with follow up examinations. SUBJECTS: 3500 people recruited between 1972 and 1978 (80% response rate), and followed up between 1978 and 1984. This report is based on subgroup of 1511 white men aged 40-64 at entry. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Information was obtained on smoking and family history of IHD. Blood pressure, weight, height, skinfold thickness at four sites, fibrinogen, factor VII activity and cholesterol were measured during follow up. Body mass index (BMI) was used as an index of obesity. BMI was found to be more strongly correlated with IHD than any of the skinfold measurements, none of which was significantly associated with IHD when BMI was allowed for. Increase in BMI by 1 SD (approximately 8 kg) was associated with a 44% increase in the risk of IHD. Of the four skinfolds, subscapular was the most closely associated with risk, confirming the relevance of central obesity. The association between obesity and IHD remained when possible mechanisms for its effects were taken into account, and its strength may increase with time: for 1 SD increase in BMI, risk of events within 5 years was increased by 28%, while risk of events after longer than 5 years was increased by 65%. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive strategies for IHD should include avoidance of obesity.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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