Ethnic group comparisons of variables associated with ischaemic heart disease.

Abstract

Variables known or postulated as being associated with the onset of ischemic heart disease were measured in 553 males and females, aged 18-49, in north-west London [England]. Of the total 412 were white and 141 were black. Cigarette and alcohol consumption were higher in white than in black men as were cholesterol, triglyceride, factor VII, CO, hemoglobin levels and platelet and white cell counts. Factor VIII, blood pressure levels and fibrinolytic activity were lower. More white than black women smoked and the latter were more obese. Differences between black and white women in factor VIII, CO, Hb, blood pressure levels and in white cell count were similar to those seen in men. There were no significant differences between black and white women in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides or factor VII, or in platelet count or fibrinolytic activity. Though fibrinolytic activity was higher in the black men than in the white, the difference was not as distinct as in some other studies. The possibility that black men may be losing some of their natural protection against ischemic heart disease should be kept in mind. In addition to variables already known to be associated with the onset of ischemic heart disease, attention should be given to the possible effects of high factor VII levels, poor fibrinolytic activity and high platelet counts. Other considerations suggest that further hemostatic variables, such as factor VIII and fibrinogen, should also receive attention.