Epidemiologic study of diet and coronary risk factors in relation to central obesity and insulin levels in rural and urban populations of north India

Diabetes and associated complications in the South Asian population

The rising prevalence of diabetes in South Asians has significant health and economic implications. South Asians are predisposed to the development of diabetes due to biologic causes which are exacerbated by lifestyle and environmental factors. Furthermore, they experience significant morbidity and mortality from complications of diabetes, most notably coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology and genetics of diabetes risk factors and its associated complications in South Asians is paramount to curbing the diabetes epidemic. With this understanding, the appropriate screening, preventative and therapeutic strategies can be implemented and further developed. In this review, we discuss in detail the biologic and lifestyle factors that predispose South Asians to diabetes and review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes in South Asians. We also review the ongoing and completed diabetes prevention and management studies in South Asians.

Prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease in an urban Indian population

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in government employees across India.

METHODS

The study population consisted of government employees in different parts of India ({n=10,642 men and n=1966 women; age 20-60 years}) and comprised various ethnic groups living in different environmental conditions. Recruitment was carried out in 20 cities across 14 states, and in one union territory. All selected individuals were subjected to a detailed questionnaire, medical examinations and anthropometric measurements. Blood samples were collected for blood glucose and serum lipid profile estimation, and resting ECG was recorded. Results were analysed using appropriate statistical tools.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 4.6% of the study population had a family history of premature CAD. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 16% (5.6% diagnosed during the study and the remaining 10.4% already on medication). Hypertension was present in 21% of subjects. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly high, with 45.6% of study subjects having a high total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio. Overall, 78.6% subjects had two or more risk factors for CAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates a high prevalence of CAD risk factors in the Indian urban population. Therefore, there is an immediate need to initiate measures to raise awareness of these risk factors so that individuals at high risk for future CAD can be managed.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in Asian Indian population: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally and are the leading cause of death in India also. Several surveys conducted across the country over the past few decades have shown a rising prevalence of major risk factors for CVD in Asian Indian population. The problem of increasing risk factors for CVD in India is because of lack of surveillance system and lack of proper diagnosis. This study will help to point out the need of research so that some advanced diagnosis system may be developed for proper diagnosis of CVDs and to reduce the growing burden of CVDs in the country.

METHODS

We did a literature search for the period from 1968 to 2012 using PUBMED search to identify all relevant studies of cardiovascular diseases. Besides PUBMED searching, manual searching has also been done. This article provides a review of current understanding of the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, particularly, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and related risk factors in Asian Indian population.

RESULTS

Hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent among Asian Indian population, which may explain their high rate of stroke and heart attack in India. The increasing rate of CVD may be explained by the high rates of other risk factors including adverse lipid profile. The etiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is multifactorial and no single factor is an absolute cause.

CONCLUSION

The cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors are increasing with a rapid pace in Asian Indian population. Though the prevalence of CVD risk factors is found higher in urban population, yet it is increasing at an alarming rate in rural population also, which is a serious threatening to the nation. Since majority of the Indians live in rural area, CVD may lead to epidemic proportions. We need health promotion programs and reorientation of primary health care to improve CVD detection in earlier stage and its management.

Diet and Physical Activity Among Women in Urban and Rural Areas in South India: A Community Based Comparative Survey

INTRODUCTION

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases are increasing in India. There is a clear need to study risk factors for NCDs in various population groups in the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This community based cross-sectional survey was conducted to study the diet and physical activity of women in urban and rural areas in Vellore district. Dietary data was collected using 24-h dietary recall and physical activity was collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sociodemographic variables were collected to assess the risk factors for unfavorable diet and physical activity.

RESULTS

The odds of the rural women engaging in high physical activity are 3.61 times greater than urban women (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.36-5.54). The odds of the urban women consuming a high calorie diet are 1.923 times that of the rural women (95% CI = 1.282-2.857). The odds of the urban women being overweight/obese are 5.555 times than that of the urban women (95% CI = 3.333-10). Women who were housewives and not doing household work were significantly less physically active, took higher calorie diet, and were more overweight and obese compared to women who were involved in active household work.

CONCLUSIONS

Urban women had unfavorable diet and physical activity levels compared to rural women. They also had higher levels of overweight and obesity. There is a need for targeted NCD prevention interventions among urban women.

Correlations of non-exercise activity thermogenesis to metabolic parameters in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expenditure due to physical activities besides active sports-like exercise and resistance training in daily life.

METHODS

We studied 45 subjects (22 women and 23 men) with type 2 diabetes who did not take any hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, or cholesterol-lowering agents and asked them about physical activity concerned with NEAT using an original questionnaire modified from a compendium of physical activities. We studied the association of the NEAT score to body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, and arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

The NEAT score was negatively correlated with serum insulin levels (r = -0.42, P < 0.05) in all subjects. The NEAT score was also negatively correlated with waist circumference (r = -0.509, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (r = 0.494, P < 0.05) in women, and negatively associated with serum insulin levels (r = -0.732, p < 0.005), systolic (r = -0.482, P < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.538, P < 0.05) in patients with abdominal obesity. Furthermore, the NEAT score was negatively associated with pulse wave velocity (r = -0.719, P < 0.005) in smokers.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that NEAT is associated with amelioration in insulin sensitivity, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, blood pressure and the marker for atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Beyond pregnancy--the neglected burden of mortality in young women of reproductive age in Bangladesh: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe proportionate mortality and causes of death unrelated to pregnancy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Rural northwest Bangladesh.

POPULATION

A cohort of 133,617 married women of reproductive age.

METHODS

Verbal autopsies were conducted for women who died whilst under surveillance in the cohort trial. Physician-assigned causes of death based on verbal autopsies were used to categorise deaths.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The proportion of deaths due to non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, injury or pregnancy.

RESULTS

Of the 1107 deaths occurring among women between 2001 and 2007, 48% were attributed to non-communicable diseases, 22% to pregnancy, 17% to infections, 9% to injury and 4% to other causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although focus on pregnancy-related mortality remains important, more attention is warranted on non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age.

Is there a divergence in time trends in the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes? A systematic review in South Asian populations

OBJECTIVE

Recently, diabetes prevalence has increased in South Asians making it a global public health priority. There are suggestions that pre-diabetes, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), may not be increasing. We conducted a systematic review to explore the paradox. Research Design and Methods We searched electronic databases from inception to June 2009 for cross-sectional studies providing prevalence of pre-diabetes (using WHO criteria) in South Asian adult populations. Two reviewers independently screened articles, performed data extraction, quality appraisal and study classification with any discrepancies resolved by consensus. Repeated cross-sectional studies, categorized by pre-specified criteria, were used for the primary analysis, supplemented by analysis of comparable and all studies.

RESULTS

In total, 79 cross-sectional data sets (from 69 published studies) were identified resulting in the inclusion of 179 408 people. Four sets of repeated cross-sectional studies, conducted in Chennai, rural Tamil Nadu, Mauritius and Singapore (n = 30,399), provided time trend information. Three of them showed an increase in diabetes prevalence (P < 0.001) whereas IGT fell in two (P < 0.05), and was stable in the remainder. A similar pattern was seen among three other sets of comparable studies (n = 58,820) and in scatterplots of all 79 data sets.

CONCLUSION

This novel systematic review is the first to assess secular trends of pre-diabetes in any population. The data show diabetes prevalence is rising, whereas IGT prevalence is stable or falling. Explanations include: recent environmental or lifestyle changes favouring an increased rate of conversion from IGT to diabetes, or a cohort effect with improving maternal and infant nutrition resulting in reduced IGT with a fall in diabetes to follow.

Assessment of follow-up, and the completeness and accuracy of cancer case ascertainment in three areas of India

BACKGROUND

A prospective study of diet and cancer has not been conducted in India; consequently, little is known regarding follow-up rates or the completeness and accuracy of cancer case ascertainment.

METHODS

We assessed follow-up in the India Health Study (IHS; 4671 participants aged 35-69 residing in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Trivandrum). We evaluated the impact of medical care access and relocation, re-contacted the IHS participants to estimate follow-up rates, and conducted separate studies of cancer cases to evaluate registry coverage (604 cases in Trivandrum) and the accuracy of self- and proxy-reporting (1600 cases in New Delhi and Trivandrum).

RESULTS

Over 97% of people reported seeing a doctor and 85% had lived in their current residence for over six years. The 2-year follow-up rate was 91% for Trivandrum and 53% for New Delhi. No cancer cases were missed among public institutions participating in the surveillance program in Trivandrum during 2003-2004; but there are likely to be unmatched cases (ranging from 5 to 13% of total cases) from private hospitals in the Trivandrum registry, as there are no mandatory reporting requirements. Vital status was obtained for 36% of cancer cases in New Delhi as compared to 78% in Trivandrum after a period of 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A prospective cohort study of cancer may be feasible in some centers in India with active follow-up to supplement registry data. Inclusion of cancers diagnosed at private institutions, unique identifiers for individuals, and computerized medical information would likely improve cancer registries.

Social determinants of cardiovascular disease outcomes in Indians

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. In developed countries socio-economic mortality differentials have been studied extensively showing that the low socio-economic group suffers the highest mortality. As the epidemiological transition is taking place against a background of economic globalization, CVD risk factors among the urban poor and middle class are rapidly increasing in India. Recent evidences from India also suggest reversal of social gradient with excess burden of CVD morbidity in the low socio-economic group. Understanding the social determinants of environmental and behavioural exposures, in determining the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is an important challenge for public health professionals as well as communities. Socio-economic disadvantage is not simply a proxy for poor cardiovascular risk factor status, but also an indication of the likely trajectory that an individual or a community may follow in the course of their life. The paucity of intervention research seeking to address the role of social determinants in shaping lifestyle practices among individuals in culturally and socially diverse population groups within India is definitely a measure of inadequacy in public health research. This review article provides an overview of the role of social determinants of CVD and its possible conceptual pathways with special focus on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) outcomes among Indians.

Dietary risk factors for hypopharyngeal cancer in India

OBJECTIVE

The Indian subcontinent has among the highest rates of hypopharyngeal cancer worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between the Indian diet and hypopharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

We used data from a hospital-based case-control study of 513 incident hypopharyngeal cancers and 718 controls from four centers in India. Dietary information was assessed using a 67-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Intakes of related foods were combined across food groups and were categorized by quartile. We used unconditional logistic regression modeling, stratified by ever tobacco use, to analyze the association between food intakes and hypopharyngeal cancer.

RESULTS

Among persons who had ever smoked or chewed tobacco, protective associations were seen at the highest quartiles of total fruit intake (OR = 0.37, 0.20-0.69), curds (OR = 0.35, 0.17-0.69), and leafy green (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.51), root (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.11-0.43), and cruciferous vegetable intakes (OR = 0.41, 0.20-0.84). Results were similar, although not as robust, among persons who had never smoked or chewed tobacco. An increased risk of disease was seen among tobacco users who drank milk daily (OR = 1.84, 1.14-2.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary factors might contribute to the high risk of hypopharyngeal cancer observed in India.

Urban living and obesity: is it independent of its population and lifestyle characteristics?

OBJECTIVES

Living in an urban area influences obesity. However, little is known about whether this relationship is truly independent of, or merely mediated through, the demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics of urban populations. We aimed to identify and quantify the magnitude of this relationship in a Sri Lankan population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of adults aged 20-64 years representing the urban (n = 770) and rural (n = 630) populations, in the district of Colombo in 2004. Obesity was measured as a continuous variable using body mass index (BMI). Demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle factors were assessed. Gender-specific multivariable regression models were developed to quantify the independent effect of urban/ rural living and other variables on increased BMI.

RESULTS

The BMI (mean; 95% confidence interval) differed significantly between urban (men: 23.3; 22.8-23.8; women: 24.2; 23.7-24.7) and rural (men: 22.3; 21.9-22.7; women: 23.2; 22.7-23.7) sectors (P < 0.01). The observed association remained stable independently of all other variables in the regression models among both men (coefficient = 0.64) and women (coefficient = 0.95). These coefficients equated to 2.2 kg weight for the average man and 1.7 kg for the average woman. Other independent associations of BMI were with income (coefficient = 1.74), marital status (1.48), meal size (1.53) and religion (1.20) among men, and with age (0.87), marital status (2.25) and physical activity (0.96) among women.

CONCLUSIONS

Urban living is associated with obesity independently of most other demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics of the population. Targeting urban populations may be useful for consideration when developing strategies to reduce the prevalence of obesity.

High prevalence of diabetes among immigrants from non-European countries in Sweden

Patients with diabetes aged 35-64 years from four primary health care centres in Stockholm County were identified from electronic patient records (EPRs): diabetes prevalence occurred 414 of 15,317 men, and 250 of 15,388 women. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence of diabetes was as follows: Non-European immigrants, 5.82% (95% CI 5.06-6.58), European immigrants 1.96% (95% CI 1.53-2.39), and Swedish-born subjects 1.80% (95% CI 1.63-1.97). In conclusion, non-European immigrants showed a three-fold higher prevalence of diabetes compared to Swedish-born subjects.

Lipoprotein (a) and comprehensive lipid tetrad index as a marker for coronary artery disease in NIDDM patients in South India

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is reaching epidemic proportions in India, in the absence of traditional risk factors. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) concentrations are related to both atherogenesis and thrombogenesis and may be a key link between lipid and CAD. We studied the role of Lp(a) and comprehensive lipid tetrad index as markers for CAD in South Indian patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

METHODS

Lp(a) concentrations and lipid profile were estimated in 53 NIDDM patients with CAD (Group 1), 53 NIDDM patients without CAD (Group 2), and 52 control subjects (Group 3). Comprehensive lipid tetrad index was calculated in all patients and controls.

RESULTS

Lp(a) concentrations were significantly higher in Group 1 patients, when compared with Groups 2 and 3. In NIDDM patients with CAD, only total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol concentrations correlated significantly positively with lipoprotein (a) concentrations (r=0.184, p=0.03 and r=0.168, p=0.02). Mean comprehensive lipid tetrad index was 45,487+/-2747 in Group 1, 10,866+/-1163 in Group 2 and 4582+/-348 in Group 3 subjects.

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing data, high Lp(a) concentrations show strong correlation with CAD in NIDDM patients of South India. High concentrations of Lp(a) and comprehensive lipid tetrad index, along with high prevalence of NIDDM, may render Indians particularly vulnerable to malignant atherosclerosis at a young age. As NIDDM is increasing in prevalence in India, the above observations have ominous dimensions in terms of total burden of CAD in India.

Validating MOSPA questionnaire for measuring physical activity in Pakistani women

BACKGROUND

Precise measurements of activity at a population level are important for monitoring trends and evaluating health promotion strategies. Few studies have assessed the measurement of physical activity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to validate the MOSPA (Monica Optional Study of Physical Activity) questionnaire which was developed for the WHO-Monitoring trends and determinants of cardiovasculr disease (MONICA) study sites.

METHODS

The MOSPA questionnaire assesses energy expendtiture (EE) related to physical activity (employment, household work, transportation, and leisure time) over a one year period. This questionnaire has been described in the manuscript as the long term (LT) questionnaire. An adapted short term (ST) 5 day questionnaire was developed to assess convergent validity. Questionnaire data were compared with physical activity EE estimates from a Caltrac accelerometer and with body composition measures (height, weight and bioelectrical impedance) in 50 women from the Aga Khan University (AKU) hospital antenatal clinics, Pakistan. Other forms of EE i.e. resting EE and thermic effect of food were not assessd in this study.

RESULTS

Subjects were aged 26 +/- 3.8 years and were 16.1 +/- 6.7 weeks pregnant. Their average weight was 58.8 +/- 10.7 Kg. The average EE/day assessed by the Caltrac accelerometer, was 224 kcal and by MOSPA LT questionnaire it was 404 kcal. The questionnaires and Caltrac data were reasonably well correlated: r = 0.51 and r = 0.60 (P < 0.01) for LT and ST questionnaires respectively. Energy expenditure from questionnaire data was not correlated with body composition measures.

CONCLUSION

The MOSPA questionnaire is useful in assessing physical activity levels in a sedentary population over a one year period.

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in two similar Indian population groups, one residing in India, and the other in Sydney, Australia

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of coronary risk factors among South Asian Indians in Australia and India.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional intercountry comparison.

SUBJECTS

Healthy volunteers aged 23-75 y recruited from the Indian community in Sydney Australia (n=125), and their nominated relatives in India, (n=125).

RESULTS

The two groups were of similar background with over 90% of the group in India being siblings, parents or relatives of the group in Australia. There was no difference in the populations between India and Australia with regard to mean age (40+/-11.5 vs 39+/-10.3 y), body mass index (BMI) (25+/-3.3 vs 25+/-3.5 kg/m(2)), lipoprotein (a) (178 vs 202 mg/l), total cholesterol (5.3+/-1.3 vs 5.3+/-1.2 mmol/l) or triglyceride (1.7+/-0.8 vs 1.7+/-0.8 mmol/l). The group in India had higher insulin (median values) (139 vs 83 pmol/l, P=0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (0.88+/-0.08 vs 0.85+/-0.09, P=0.01), exercise time (23.7+/-32.7 vs 17.2+/-23.2 h/week, P=0.07), lower waist (83+/-10.0 vs 85+/-11.1 cm, P=0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (0.9+/-0.3 vs 1.1+/-0.6 mmol/l, P=0.02). Women in India had lower BMI (22.7+/-2.9 vs 25.3+/-4.2 kg/m(2), P<0.001), higher insulin (182 vs 90 pmol/l, P<0.001), WHR (0.86+/-0.08 vs 0.77+/-0.06, P<0.001)) and prevalence of abdominal obesity (% WHR >0.8, 73 vs 23%, P<0.001; odds of waist >90 cm=2.3, P<0.05). Men in India had the same BMI, lower waist (85.5+/-8.8 vs 92.9+/-7.2 cm, P<0.001) and WHR (0.89+/-0.09 vs 0.93+/-0.05, P<0.01) but higher insulin (137 vs 76 pmol/l).

CONCLUSION

The group in Australia (especially women) have a more favourable disease risk profile than those in India. The fact that the groups are of such similar background and partly related, make it unlikely that changes due to migration have a strong genetic bias. In contrast to other studies, the absence here of excessive weight gain on migration may be a key factor in disease risk prevention.

Serum lipid levels in an Iranian adults population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Data from 6246 participants aged 20-64 years (2339 males and 3907 females) in the cross-sectional phase of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (February 1999-May 2000) were used to determine distribution of serum lipid levels after 12-14 hour overnight fast. Mean total cholesterol (TC) concentration was 210 mg/dl. TC was significantly greater in females than males, 213 and 206 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.0001). Thirty-one percent of population had TC values between 200 and 239 and 24% had values of 240 mg/dl or greater. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 129 and 135 mg/dl in males and females, respectively (p < 0.0001). Twenty-seven percent had LDL-C values between 130 and 159 and 23% had values 160 mg/dl or greater. The mean triglycerides (TGs) values were 190 and 162 mg/dl for males and females, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 39 in males and 45 mg/dl in females (p < 0.0001). The results showed higher levels of TC, LDL-C and TGs and slightly lower HDL-C in Tehranian adults than other studies in the industrialized countries.

Lack of association between central adiposity and lipaemia in UK Sikh men

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the positive statistical associations between measures of total and regional adiposity and measures of glucose, insulin and triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism reported in Caucasian men, are also observed in UK Sikhs.

DESIGN

A matched cross-sectional study in which each volunteer provided a blood sample after a 12-h overnight fast and had anthropometric measurements taken.

SUBJECTS

A total of 55 healthy Caucasian and 55 healthy UK Sikh men were recruited. The Caucasian and Sikh men were matched for age (48.7+/-10.9 and 48.3+/-10.0 y, respectively) and body mass index (BMI) (26.1+/-2.8 and 26.3+/-3.2 kg/m(2), respectively).

MEASUREMENTS

Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess total and regional fat depots. The concentrations of plasma total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and small dense LDL (LDL3), TAG, glucose, fasting insulin (ins) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were analysed in fasted plasma. Surrogate measures of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity (RQUICKI) were calculated from insulin and glucose (HOMA-IR) and insulin, glucose and NEFA (RQUICKI) measurements.

RESULTS

The Sikh men had significantly higher body fat, with the sum of the four skinfold measurements (Ssk) (P=0.0001) and subscapular skinfold value (P=0.009) higher compared with the Caucasian men. The Sikh volunteers also had characteristics of the metabolic syndrome: lower HDL-C (P=0.07), higher TAG (P=0.004), higher % LDL3 (P=0.0001) and insulin resistance (P=0.05). Both ethnic groups demonstrated positive correlations between insulin and waist circumference (Caucasian: r=0.661, P=0.0001; Sikh: r=0.477, P=0.0001). The Caucasian men also demonstrated significant positive correlations between central adiposity (r=0.275, P=0.04), other measures of adiposity (BMI and suprailiac skinfold) and plasma TAG, whereas the Sikh men showed no correlation for central adiposity (r=0.019, ns) and TAG with a trend to a negative relationship between other measures (Ssk and suprailiac) which reached near significance for subscapular skinfold and TAG (r=-0.246, P=0.007). The expected positive association between insulin and TAG was observed in the Caucasian men (r=0.318, P=0.04) but not in the Sikh men (r=0.011, ns).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Caucasian men, the expected positive association between plasma TAG and centralized body fat was observed. However, a lack of association between centralized, or any other measure of adiposity, and plasma TAG was observed in the matched Sikh men, although both ethnic groups showed the positive association between centralized body fat and insulin resistance, which was less strong for Sikhs. These findings in the Sikh men were not consistent with the hypothesis that there is a clear causal relationship between body fat and its distribution, insulin resistance, and lipid abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome, in this ethnic group.

Body fat percent by bioelectrical impedance analysis and risk of coronary artery disease among urban men with low rates of obesity: the Indian paradox

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between body fat percent and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary risk factors in subjects with low rates of obesity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We randomly selected 850 men, aged 25 to 64 years. The survey methods were questionnaire and bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition. Subjects were divided into high-fat (n = 357), over-fat (n = 230), normal-fat (n = 200) and under-fat (n = 63) based on criteria of body-fat percent analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAD and the coronary-risk factors hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, mellitus and sedentary lifestyle were significantly associated with high and moderate body fat percent despite low body-mass index (23.6+/-4.1 kg/m2). Mean total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure were significantly associated with high and moderate body fat percent. The prevalence of smoking was weakly but inversely associated with high body-fat percent. Mean HDL cholesterol was positively associated with high body-fat percent. Body mass index was positively associated with high body-fat percent.

CONCLUSIONS

High and moderate body-fat-percent subjects were associated with high prevalence of CAD and the coronary-risk factors hypertension, diabetes mellitus, higher body-mass index and sedentary lifestyle.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in 2 distinct ethnic groups: Indian and Pakistani compared with American premenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Although people from the Indian subcontinent have high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies of such in Indian and Pakistani women living in the United States are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study accounted for variability in serum lipid (total cholesterol and triacylglycerol) and lipoprotein [LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and HDL cholesterol] concentrations in Indian and Pakistani compared with American premenopausal women in the United States. Body composition, regional fat distribution, dietary intake, and energy expenditure were compared between groups.

DESIGN

The 2 groups were 47 Indian and Pakistani and 47 American women. Health was assessed via medical history, physical activity, body composition (via anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), dietary intake (via 7-d food records), and serum lipids.

RESULTS

Serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol, and the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol were greater (P <0.03), whereas HDL-cholesterol values were lower (P = 0.011) in Indians and Pakistanis than in Americans. Multiple regression analysis indicated that approximately 18% of the variance in total cholesterol (P = 0.0010) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.0009) was accounted for by ethnicity, energy expenditure, and the ratio of the sum of central to the sum of peripheral skinfold thicknesses. Ethnicity, sum of central skinfold thicknesses, ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat intake accounted for approximately 43% of the variance in triacylglycerol concentration (P < 0.0001). Monounsaturated fat, percentage body fat, and alcohol intake accounted for approximately 26% of variance in HDL cholesterol. Ethnicity contributed approximately 22% of the 25% overall variance in lipoprotein(a).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that these Indian and Pakistani women are at higher CVD risk than their American counterparts, but that increasing their physical activity is likely to decrease overall and regional adiposity, thereby improving their serum lipid profiles.

Current zinc intake and risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease and factors associated with insulin resistance in rural and urban populations of North India

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between current zinc intake and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes as well as factors associated with insulin resistance.

DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this cross sectional survey, 3575 subjects, aged 25 to 64 years, including 1769 rural (894 men. 875 women) and 1806 urban (904 men, 902 women) subjects were studied. The survey methods included questionnaires for 7-day food intake record, physical examination, and electrocardiography using World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAD, diabetes and glucose intolerance was significantly higher among subjects consuming lower intakes of dietary zinc. There was a higher prevalence of hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels which showed significant upward trend with lower zinc intakes. Serum lipoprotein (a) and 2-hour plasma insulin levels also were associated with low zinc intake. Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age showed that zinc intake and CAD were inversely associated. Serum zinc (odds ratio:men 0.77, women 0.57), serum triglycerides (men 0.86, women 0.81), blood pressure (0.83 men, women 0.76), diabetes mellitus (men 0.90, women 0.85), central obesity (men 0.88, women 0.87), glucose intolerance (men 0.66, women 0.57) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (men 0.72, women 0.70) were significant risk factors for CAD (explained by tertiles of zinc status) in urban subjects. These associations were not observed in rural subjects.

CONCLUSION

Lower consumption of dietary zinc and low serum zinc levels were associated with an increased prevalence of CAD and diabetes and several of their associated risk factors including hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and other factors suggestive of mild insulin resistance in urban subjects.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease in rural and urban population with low rates of obesity

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension in DM in the rural and urban populations of north India.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Two populations of the same ethnic background were randomly selected for this cross sectional survey. There were 1769 rural (894 men, 875 women) and 1806 urban subjects (904 men, 902 women) between 25-64 years of age. The survey methods included fasting and 2 h blood glucose and electro-cardiogram and blood pressure measurement of all subjects.

RESULTS

Using the criteria of World Health Organization, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (6.0 vs 2.8%) hypertension (24.0 vs 17.0%) and CAD (9.0 vs 3.2%) was significantly (P<0.001) higher in urban compared to rural subjects. Hypertension and CAD were significantly more frequent among subjects with diabetes compared to nondiabetes. The association of CAD and hypertension with diabetes was greater in urban than rural subjects. Excess body weight and obesity, central obesity, sedentary lifestyle, higher visible fat intake (>25 g/day), and social class 1-3 (higher and middle) were significantly associated with diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment of age and sex, body mass index, central obesity, sedentary lifestyle and higher visible fat intake and alcohol intake in men were significant risk factors of diabetes among all the sub-groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed a high prevalence of diabetes in urban north Indian population compared to rural subjects in the same ethnic group. CAD and hypertension were significantly associated with diabetes more in urban than rural subjects. The findings suggest that higher body mass index, waist-hip ratio and visible fat intake and sedentary lifestyle were risk factors of diabetes.

Low fat intake and coronary artery disease in a population with higher prevalence of coronary artery disease: the Indian paradox

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between saturated fat intake and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary risk factors.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Total community cross sectional survey of 20 urban streets out of 196 streets, in the city of Moradabad in north India.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Adult population between 25 to 64 years inclusive comprised of 1806 subjects (904 men, 902 women) were divided into three groups according to level of saturated fat intake as assessed by 7-day dietary intake records (very low < 7%, low 7 to 10%, high > 10% energy (en) per day).

RESULTS

We examined the relationship between CAD risk and levels of % en from fat intake. Low (7 to 10% en/day) and high (> 10% en/day) saturated fat were positively and significantly associated with higher prevalence of CAD. The prevalence of coronary risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and sedentary lifestyle) were significantly higher among subjects with low and high saturated fat intake compared to subjects with very low (< 7%) saturated fat intake. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age showed that hypercholesterolemia (OR: men 0.89, women 0.68), hypertension (men 0.92, women 0.56), physical activity (men 0.80, women 0.36), obesity (men 0.82, women 0.88) and smoking (0.70 men) were significant risk factors of CAD. Low and high saturated fat intake were associated with more prestigious occupations, higher and middle income status and better educational levels compared to very low saturated fat intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CAD and coronary risk factors was higher in urban Indians with low and high saturated fat intake than those with lower saturated fat intake. These findings suggest that the saturated fat intake should be < 7% en/day for prevention of CAD in Indians.

Serum cholesterol and coronary artery disease in populations with low cholesterol levels: the Indian paradox

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relation between serum cholesterol and coronary artery disease prevalence below the range of cholesterol values generally observed in developed countries.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional survey of two randomly selected villages from Moradabad district and 20 randomly selected streets in the city of Moradabad.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

3575 Indians, aged 25-64 years including 1769 rural (894 men, 875 women) and 1806 urban (904 men, 902 women) subjects. The survey methods were questionnaires, physical examination and electrocardiography.

RESULTS

The overall prevalences of coronary artery disease were 9.0% in urban and 3.3% in rural subjects and the prevalences were significantly (P<0.001) higher in men compared to women in both urban (11.0 vs. 6.9%) and rural subjects (3.9 vs. 2.6%). The average serum cholesterol concentrations were 4.91 mmol/l in urban and 4.22 mmol/l in rural subjects without any sex differences. The prevalences of coronary artery disease were significantly higher among subjects with low and high serum cholesterol concentration compared to subjects with very low cholesterol and showed a positive relation with serum cholesterol within the range of serum cholesterol level studied in both rural and urban in both sexes. Among subjects with low serum cholesterol, there was a higher prevalence of coronary risk factors, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Serum cholesterol level showed a significant positive relation with low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in all the four subgroups. Logistic regression analysis after pooling of data from both rural and urban, with adjustment of age showed that low serum cholesterol level (odds ratio: men 0.96, women 0.91) had a positive strong relation with coronary artery disease and there was no evidence of any threshold. Diabetes mellitus (men 0.73, women 0.74) and sedentary lifestyle (men 0.86, women 0.74) were significant risk factors of coronary disease in both sexes. Hypertension (men 0.82, women 0.64) and smoking (men 0.81, women 0.52) were weakly associated with coronary disease in men but not in women.

CONCLUSION

Serum cholesterol level was directly related to prevalence of coronary artery disease even in those with low cholesterol concentration (<5.18 mmol/l). It is possible that some Indian populations may benefit by increased physical activity and decline in serum cholesterol below the range of desired serum cholesterol in developed countries.

Social class and coronary artery disease in a urban population of North India in the Indian Lifestyle and Heart Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of social class with prevalence of coronary risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Total community cross sectional survey of 20 randomly selected streets in the city of Moradabad.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

1806 urban (904 men and 902 women) randomly selected subjects aged 25-64 years. The survey methods were physician and dietitian administered questionnaire, physical examination and electrocardiography. All subjects were divided into social classes 1-5 based on attributes of education, occupation, per capita income, housing condition and consumer durables and other family assets.

RESULTS

Social classes 1, 2 and 3 were mainly high and middle socioeconomic groups and 3 and 4 low income groups. The prevalence of CAD and coronary risk factors hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and sedentary lifestyle were significantly higher among social classes 1, 2 and 3 in both sexes compared to lower social classes. Mean serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure were significantly associated with higher and middle social classes. Smoking was significantly associated with lower social classes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment of age revealed that social class was positively associated with CAD (odds ratio: men 0.84, women 0.86), hypercholesterolemia (men 0.87, women 0.85), hypertension (men 0.91, women 0.89), diabetes mellitus (men 0.71, women 0.68) and sedentary lifestyle (men 0.68, women 0.66). Smoking was significantly associated with CAD in men.

CONCLUSION

Social class 1, 2 and 3 in an urban population of India have a higher prevalence of CAD and coronary risk factors hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and sedentary lifestyle in both sexes.

The role of coconut and coconut oil in coronary heart disease in Kerala, south India

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is common in India and, recently, an increase in the incidence of CHD was reported from the South Indian state of Kerala. The traditional Indian diet is low in fat content. The high incidence of CHD in Indians is, therefore, in contrast to western studies that have correlated high fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake to CHD. Consumption of coconut and coconut oil that contain high amounts of saturated fat and are thought to be strongly atherogenic, are believed to be one of the main reasons for the high incidence of CHD in Kerala. To explore this presumed link, we studied 32 CHD patients and 16 age and sex matched healthy controls. Consumption of coconut and coconut oil was found to be similar in both groups. The groups did not differ in the fat, saturated fat and cholesterol consumption. The results imply no specific role for coconut or coconut oil in the causation of CHD in the present set of Indian patients from Kerala. The exact reason for the high and increasing incidence of CHD among Indians is still unknown.

Epidemiologic study of trace elements and magnesium on risk of coronary artery disease in rural and urban Indian populations

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of trace elements and magnesium with risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in rural and urban populations of India.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional surveys on the randomly selected municipal streets in Moradabad city and one village in Moradabad tahsil in North India.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

There were 162 rural (86 men and 96 women) and 152 urban (80 men and 72 women) subjects between 26 to 65 years of age. Evaluations were obtained by physician- and dietitian-administered, validated questionnaires, physical examination, electrocardiogram and blood examination.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAD and coronary risk factors was 2.5 times higher in the urban population compared to rural subjects (8.6 vs. 3.0%). In rural subjects, dietary intakes and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals were comparable with those of urban subjects except for higher dietary intake of magnesium in rural subjects and higher plasma vitamin A level in urban subjects. In both rural and urban subjects, low serum zinc (80 +/- 82 vs. 110 +/- 11.0 micrograms/dl, p < 0.05) and magnesium levels (1.60 +/- 0.36 vs. 1.71 +/- 0.41 mEQ/L, p < 0.05) and lower zinc/copper ratio (0.58 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.11 +/- 0.25 p < 0.50) were inversely associated with CAD. Serum levels of copper and iron were significantly higher and plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins A, E and C and beta-carotene were significantly lower in patients with CAD compared to the rest of the subjects. In both rural (7.1 +/- 1.2 mg/day) and urban subjects (8.6 +/- 1.6 mg/day), zinc consumption was half of the recommended dietary allowances. Higher prevalence of CAD in urban compared to rural subjects was attributed to higher dietary fat intake and higher prevalence of risk factors in urban subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that lower serum levels of zinc and magnesium and lower zinc copper ratio were inversely associated with CAD. It is possible that urban populations with higher risk of CAD may benefit by decreasing dietary fat intake and by increasing their intake of foods rich in zinc and magnesium.

Association of higher saturated fat intake with higher risk of hypertension in an urban population of Trivandrum in south India

Saturated fat intake appears to be a risk factor of insulin resistance which is important in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study aims to demonstrate whether saturated fat intake may be a risk factor of hypertension. Cross-sectional survey in six randomly selected streets in Trivandrum city in south India was conducted to study 1497 randomly selected subjects (737 males and 760 females) of 25-64 years of age. The prevalence of hypertension by Joint National Committee V criteria (> 140/90 were 34.6% (n = 255) in males and 30.7% (n = 234) in females. The consumption of food groups showed that they were within desirable limits. However, the intake of fruit, vegetable, legume and coconuts was lower and saturated fat intake higher (> 10% kcal/day), although total fat intake was within desirable limits. Total and saturated fat intake, and the consumption of coconut oil and butter, flesh foods, milk and yogurt as well as sugar and jaggery were significantly associated with hypertension. Total visible fat (> 20 g/day) intake was positively associated whereas fruit, vegetable, legume and coconut intake (< 400 g/day) was inversely associated with hypertension. Salt intake (> 8 g/day), smoking and illiteracy were not associated with hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that saturated fat intake, age and body mass index were independently and strongly associated with hypertension whereas fruits, vegetable, legume and coconuts, coconut oil and butter and alcohol (males) intakes were weakly associated with hypertension. The odds ratio indicate higher risk of hypertension due to higher intake of saturated fat in both sexes (mean: odds ratio, 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.09; women, 1.08, 1.06-1.12, P < 0.01). Significant determinants of hypertension were higher saturated fat, particularly coconut oil, and lower fruit, vegetable, legume and coconuts, particularly legumes and coconuts in the diet, apart from conventional risk factors.

Effect of diet and moderate exercise on central obesity and associated disturbances, myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with and without coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

To test whether a fat modified and fruit and vegetable enriched diet in conjunction with moderate physical activity reduces the cardiac event rate in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors in an urban setting in India.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

480 patients either with CAD or with risk factors. Those with definite or possible CAD including angina pectoris (n = 210) based on World Health Organization criteria and patients with risk factors were assigned to diet A (n = 231) or diet B (n = 232) for a period of 3 years. Both groups were advised to follow a fat modified diet. Group A was also advised to consume at least 400 g/day of fruits, vegetables and legumes according to World Health Organization advice and include moderate physical activity.

RESULTS

Waist-hip ratios, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, plasma insulin levels, blood pressure and weight fell significantly in patients in group A compared with those in group B. While triglycerides in group A showed a significant decrease, high density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a significant increase. Both groups showed a significant reduction in total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, although the decrease was greater in group A than group B. Central obesity decreased by 6.2% in group A vs. 1.2% in group B, 95% confidence interval of difference 2.3 to 7.8. The incidence of cardiac events was significantly lower in group A than group B (29 vs. 43 patients, p < 0.01). All-cause mortality also significantly declined in group A compared with group B (16 vs. 24 died, p < 0.05). The group A patients with better adherence to exercise and diet showed greater reduction in central obesity and greater decline in cardiac event rates and total mortality compared to control group B.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible that moderate physical activity in conjunction with dietary changes in patients with CAD may cause substantial reductions in central obesity and associated disturbances corresponding to a significant decrease in cardiac events and mortality during the follow-up of 3 years.

Association of trans fatty acids (vegetable ghee) and clarified butter (Indian ghee) intake with higher risk of coronary artery disease in rural and urban populations with low fat consumption

These cross-sectional surveys included 1769 rural (894 men and 875 women) and 1806 urban (904 men and 902 women) randomly selected subjects between 25-64 years of age from Moradabad in North India. The total prevalence of coronary artery disease based on clinical history and electrocardiogram was significantly higher in urban compared to rural men (11.0 vs. 3.9%) and women (6.9 vs. 2.6%), respectively. Food consumption patterns showed that important differences in relation to coronary artery disease were higher intake of total visible fat, milk and milk products, meat, eggs, sugar and jaggery in urban compared to rural subjects. Prevalence of coronary artery disease in relation to visible fat intake showed a higher prevalence rate with higher visible fat intake in both sexes and the trend was significant for total prevalence rates both for rural and urban men and women. Subgroup analysis among urban (694 men and 694 women) and rural (442 men and 435 women) subjects consuming moderate to high fat diets showed that subjects eating trans fatty acids plus clarified butter or those consuming clarified butter as total visible fat had a significantly higher prevalence of coronary artery disease compared to those consuming clarified butter plus vegetable oils in both rural (9.8, 7.1 vs. 3.0%) and urban (16.2, 13.5 vs. 11.0%) men as well as in rural (9.2, 4.5 vs. 1.5%) and urban (10.7, 8.8 vs. 6.4%) women. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis with adjustment for age showed that sedentariness in women, body mass index in urban men and women, milk and clarified butter plus trans fatty acids in both rural and urban in both sexes were significantly associated with coronary artery disease. It is possible that lower intake of total visible fat (20 g/day), decreased intake of milk, increased physical activity and cessation of smoking may benefit some populations in the prevention of coronary artery disease.

Dietary intake, plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins, and oxidative stress in relation to coronary artery disease in elderly subjects

The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the urban population of India is similar to that in developed countries; Indian immigrants in industrialized countries have the highest prevalence of CAD. This is a cross-sectional survey within a random sample of a single urban setting in India. The relation between risk of CAD and plasma levels of vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene was examined in 72 of 595 elderly subjects (12.1%) with CAD (aged 50 to 84 years). Plasma levels of vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene were significantly related to risk of CAD. Smoking (n = 145) and diabetes (n = 70) were the confounding factors. Lipid peroxides were higher in patients with CAD and diabetes, and in those who smoked. The inverse relation between CAD and low plasma vitamin C was substantially reduced after adjustment for smoking and diabetes. Vitamin A and E levels remained independently and inversely related to the risk of CAD after adjustment for age, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, blood lipoproteins, and relative weight and body mass index. The adjusted odds ratios for CAD between the lowest and highest quintiles of vitamin E levels were 2.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11 to 5.31), vitamin C, 2.21 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.15), and beta-carotene, 1.72 (95% CI 0.88 to 3.62). The fatty acid composition of the diet, blood lipid levels, central obesity (waist-hip ratio), smoking habits, blood pressure, and plasma insulin levels do not appear to account for high rates of CAD among elderly Indians.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epidemiological study of coronary artery disease and its risk factors in an elderly urban population of north India

OBJECTIVE

In view of the rapid increase in the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in developing countries, our aim was to determine the prevalence of CAD and its risk factors and lifestyle factors in an elderly population from north India.

METHODS

A random sample of 595 elderly subjects between 50 to 84 years of age was obtained from the urban population of Moradabad. The response rate was 90.1%. The survey methods included a questionnaire containing information on 7-day food intake, other lifestyle factors, Rose questionnaire for diagnosis of angina pectoris, a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurements and blood examination.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of CAD based on clinical history and electrocardiogram was 121/1000 (95% CI 72 to 165). The prevalence rate was slightly higher in males (130/1000) than in females (110/1000). The prevalence of CAD based on the Rose questionnaire was 57/1000 and based on electrocardiogram in 561 asymptomatic subjects was 67/1000. CAD was significantly higher in the elderly (65 to 84 years) group than in the middle-aged (50 to 64 years) group (168 vs. 97 per 1000), respectively. While the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in the elderly than middle-aged group respectively (214 vs. 168 per 1000), the prevalence of central obesity was significantly higher in the middle-aged than elderly group (674 vs. 632 per 1000). Other risk factors including smoking were comparable in the two subgroups. Prevalence of major risk factors and central obesity were significantly higher among patients with CAD than in the rest of the subjects. Prevalence of CAD was significantly higher in the middle and higher socio-economic groups compared to the lower income group. These higher income groups were also eating significantly higher amounts of visible fat and had a higher prevalence of physical inactivity (93.3%) compared to the lower income group.

CONCLUSIONS

CAD and its risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and central obesity are of sufficient magnitude in the elderly population of India to be a major public health problem. The findings also indicate that CAD is more commonly associated with middle and higher socio-economic status which may be due to greater consumption of dietary fat and more sedentariness compared to lower socioeconomic groups.

Diet, central obesity and prevalence of hypertension in the urban population of south India

Central obesity is a strong predictor of higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease among Indian immigrants to Britain. To test this hypothesis in Indians, 1569 adults, between 25 and 64 years of age, from 750 randomly selected households (representative of 0.52 million population of Trivandrum city, Kerala) were selected for this study. The response rate was roughly 95% and the sample consisted of 1497 individuals (737 males and 760 females). The survey methods included dietary diaries for 7-day food intake record, blood pressure measurements using a mercury sphygmo-manometer and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence rates of hypertension between 25 and 64 years was 189/1000 (95% confidence limits 85-360) and between 45 and 64 years was 335/1000 (95% confidence limits 210-460) which is higher than in Western populations. The prevalence was higher in males than females in the younger age groups and comparable in both sexes in the upper age groups. The prevalence of central obesity was significantly higher among male (77.2 vs. 48.9%) and female (84.0 vs. 51.4%) hypertensives compared to non-hypertensive subjects; however, mean body weight, body mass index and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were lower among Indian men compared to a British comparison group. Thus, comparison of Indian men with Britons showed that obesity, salt and alcohol intake, sedentariness, smoking and dietary fat intake do not explain the cause of higher prevalence of hypertension among South Indian men from Kerala.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)