In view of the higher coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rate in blacks compared with whites, a study was carried out to compare risk factors for CHD in black and white adult females. The sample was made up of 769 white and 406 black participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, all of whom had complete data for the variables of interest. Student t-tests were used to compare risk factors (diet, anthropometric measurements, and lipid profiles) of the two ethnic groups divided into the following age groups: 18-29, 30-41, 42-53, 54-65, and 66-77 years. Cholesterol and saturated fat intakes were significantly higher in blacks aged 18-29 and whites aged 54-65 respectively (p<0.05). Body mass index was significantly higher in blacks of all age groups; while waist-hip ratio was significantly higher in those aged 30-41, and 54-65 years. Serum triglyceride levels were significantly higher in whites aged 30-41, 54-65, and 66-77 years. It was concluded that although blacks were at higher risk for CHD based on diet and anthropometric measurements, whites were at higher risk based on their higher serum triglyceride levels.
Learning Objectives: To discuss risk factors (diet, anthropometric measures, and lipid profiles) of black and white females.
Keywords: Heart Disease, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.