Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Eric B Rimm

Publications and source records attributed to Eric B Rimm.

122 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Prospective study of moderate alcohol consumption and risk of hypertension in young women.

BACKGROUND: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the effect of moderate alcohol consumption; the specific effects of wine, beer, and liquor; and the pattern of drinking in relation to risk of hypertension among young women are unclear. METHODS: We prospectively examined the association between alcohol consumption and subsequent risk of hypertension among 70 891 women 25 to 42 years of age. RESULTS: During the 8 years of follow-up, 4188 cases (5.9%) of incident hypertension were reported. After adjustment for multiple covariates, the association between alcohol consumption and risk of hypertension followed a J-shaped curve. Compared with nondrinkers, the risk of developing hypertension according to average number of drinks consumed per day was as follows: 0.25 or less, 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-1.03); 0.26 to 0.50, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.98); 0.51 to 1.00, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82-1.04); 1.01 to 1.50, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.80-1.24); 1.51 to 2.00, 1.20 (95% CI, 0.92-1.58); and more than 2.0 drinks, 1.31 (95% CI, 1.02-1.68). Exclusion of past drinkers yielded similar results. Among women in the highest category of alcohol consumption, there was a suggestion that the increased risk of hypertension was present regardless of the specific beverage consumed (beer, wine, or liquor). Episodic drinking, defined as consumption of more than 10.5 drinks over 3 or fewer days per week, was not associated with increased risk of hypertension (relative risk, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.51-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: The association between alcohol consumption and risk of chronic hypertension in young women follows a J-shaped curve, with light drinkers demonstrating a modest decrease in risk and more regular heavy drinkers demonstrating an increase in risk.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A prospective study of tomato products, lycopene, and prostate cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Some data, including our findings from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) from 1986 through January 31, 1992, suggest that frequent intake of tomato products or lycopene, a carotenoid from tomatoes, is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer. Overall, however, the data are inconclusive. We evaluated additional data from the HPFS to determine if the association would persist. METHODS: We ascertained prostate cancer cases from 1986 through January 31, 1998, among 47 365 HPFS participants who completed dietary questionnaires in 1986, 1990, and 1994. We used pooled logistic regression to compute multivariate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: From 1986 through January 31, 1998, 2481 men in the study developed prostate cancer. Results for the period from 1992 through 1998 confirmed our previous findings---that frequent tomato or lycopene intake was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Similarly, for the entire period of 1986 through 1998, using the cumulative average of the three dietary questionnaires, lycopene intake was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR for high versus low quintiles = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.96; P(trend) =.003); intake of tomato sauce, the primary source of bioavailable lycopene, was associated with an even greater reduction in prostate cancer risk (RR for 2+ servings/week versus <1 serving/month = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.66 to 0.90; P(trend)<.001), especially for extraprostatic cancers (RR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.99). These associations persisted in analyses controlling for fruit and vegetable consumption and for olive oil use (a marker for Mediterranean diet) and were observed separately in men of Southern European or other Caucasian ancestry. CONCLUSION: Frequent consumption of tomato products is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. The magnitude of the association was moderate enough that it could be missed in a small study or one with substantial errors in measurement or based on a single dietary assessment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Dietary patterns and risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in U.S. men.

BACKGROUND: The role of diet in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unsettled. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between major dietary patterns and risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: 42 504 male health professionals, 40 to 75 years of age, without diagnosed diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Using factor analysis based on data from food-frequency questionnaires, we identified and validated two major dietary patterns that we labeled "prudent" (characterized by higher consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry and whole grains) and "western" (characterized by higher consumption of red meat, processed meat, French fries, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, and sweets and desserts). Relative risks and 95% CIs were adjusted for potential confounders, including body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and cigarette smoking. RESULTS: During 12 years of follow-up (466 508 person-years), we documented 1321 cases of type 2 diabetes. The prudent dietary pattern score was associated with a modestly lower risk for type 2 diabetes (relative risk for extreme quintiles, 0.84 [CI, 0.70 to 1.00]). In contrast, the western dietary pattern score was associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes (relative risk, 1.59 [CI, 1.32 to 1.93]; P < 0.001 for trend). A high score for the western dietary pattern combined with low physical activity (relative risk comparing extreme quintiles of dietary pattern score and physical activity, 1.96 [CI, 1.35 to 2.84]) or obesity (relative risk for BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 vs. <25 kg/m2, 11.2 [CI, 8.07 to 15.6]) was associated with a particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a western dietary pattern is associated with a substantially increased risk for type 2 diabetes in men.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A prospective study of dietary fiber intake and risk of cardiovascular disease among women.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the hypothesis that higher intake of dietary fiber is inversely related to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and myocardial infarction (MI) in a large prospective cohort of women. BACKGROUND: Although dietary fiber has been suggested to reduce the risk of coronary disease, few prospective studies have examined the association between the types and amounts of dietary fiber and CVD risk, particularly among women. METHODS: In 1993, we used a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary fiber intake among 39,876 female health professionals with no previous history of CVD or cancer. Women were subsequently followed for an average of six years for incidence of nonfatal MI, stroke, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass graft or death due to CVD confirmed by medical records or death certificates. RESULTS: During 230,006 person-years of follow-up, 570 incident cases of CVD were documented, including 177 MIs. After adjustment for age and randomized treatment status, a significant inverse association was observed between dietary fiber intake and CVD risk. Comparing the highest quintile of fiber intake (median: 26.3 g/day) with the lowest quintile (median: 12.5 g/day), the relative risks (RR) were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51, 0.84) for total CVD and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.72) for MI. Additional adjustment for CVD risk factors reduced the RRs to 0.79 (95% CI: 0.58, 1.09) for total CVD and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.36, 1.22) for MI. The inverse trends across categories generally remained, although they were no longer statistically significant. Inverse relations were observed between both soluble and insoluble fiber and risk of CVD and MI, and among those who had never smoked and those with body mass index <25. CONCLUSIONS: A higher intake of dietary fiber was associated with a lower risk of CVD and MI, although the association was not statistically significant after further adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Nevertheless, these prospective data generally support current dietary recommendations to increase the consumption of fiber-rich whole grains and fruits and vegetables as a primary preventive measure against CVD.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Diet quality and major chronic disease risk in men and women: moving toward improved dietary guidance.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, measured with the US Department of Agriculture Healthy Eating Index (HEI), was associated with only a small reduction in major chronic disease risk. Research suggests that greater reductions in risk are possible with more specific guidance. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether 2 alternate measures of diet quality, the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and the Recommended Food Score (RFS), would predict chronic disease risk reduction more effectively than did the HEI. DESIGN: A total of 38 615 men from the Health Professional's Follow-up Study and 67 271 women from the Nurses' Health Study completed dietary questionnaires. Major chronic disease was defined as the initial occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, or nontraumatic death during 8-12 y of follow-up. RESULTS: High AHEI scores were associated with significant reductions in risk of major chronic disease in men [multivariate relative risk (RR): 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.91] and in women (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.96) when comparing the highest and lowest quintiles. Reductions in risk were particularly strong for CVD in men (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.75) and in women (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.86). In men but not in women, the RFS predicted risk of major chronic disease (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.04) and CVD (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The AHEI predicted chronic disease risk better than did the RFS (or the HEI, in our previous research) primarily because of a strong inverse association with CVD. Dietary guidelines can be improved by providing more specific and comprehensive advice.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Dietary fat and meat intake in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes in men.

OBJECTIVE: To examine dietary fat and meat intake in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We prospectively followed 42,504 male participants of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were aged 40-75 years and free of diagnosed diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in 1986. Diet was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and updated in 1990 and 1994. During 12 years of follow-up, we ascertained 1,321 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Intakes of total fat (multivariate RR for extreme quintiles 1.27, CI 1.04-1.55, P for trend=0.02) and saturated fat (1.34, 1.09-1.66, P for trend=0.01) were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. However, these associations disappeared after additional adjustment for BMI (total fat RR 0.97, CI 0.79-1.18; saturated fat 0.97, 0.79-1.20). Intakes of oleic acid, trans-fat, long-chain n-3 fat, and alpha-linolenic acid were not associated with diabetes risk after multivariate adjustment. Linoleic acid was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in men <65 years of age (RR 0.74, CI 0.60-0.92, P for trend=0.01) and in men with a BMI <25 kg/m(2) (0.53, 0.33-0.85, P for trend=0.006) but not in older and obese men. Frequent consumption of processed meat was associated with a higher risk for type 2 diabetes (RR 1.46, CI 1.14-1.86 for > or = 5/week vs. <1/month, P for trend <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Total and saturated fat intake were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but these associations were not independent of BMI. Frequent consumption of processed meats may increase risk of type 2 diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Association of type and duration of diabetes with erectile dysfunction in a large cohort of men.

OBJECTIVE: Differences in risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) by characteristics of diabetes among older men are not well understood. We examined the association of type and duration of diabetes with erectile function in men >50 years of age in a large prospective cohort study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects included 31,027 men aged 53-90 years in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study cohort. On a questionnaire mailed in 2000, participants rated their ability (without treatment) in the past 5 years to have and maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. Men who reported poor or very poor function were considered to have ED. Diabetes information was ascertained via self-report and documented with supplementary medical data. RESULTS: Men with diabetes had an age-adjusted relative risk (RR) of 1.32 (95% CI 1.3-1.4) for having ED compared with men without diabetes. In multivariable regression analyses, men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were at a significantly higher risk for ED (type 1 diabetes RR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.5-5.9; type 2 diabetes RR = 1.3, 1.1-1.5) than nondiabetic men. Men with type 2 diabetes had an increasingly greater risk of ED with increased duration since diagnosis (trend test P value <0.0001) (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7, for men diagnosed >20 years previously). CONCLUSIONS: For men over age 50 years, increasing duration of diabetes was positively associated with increased risk of ED relative to nondiabetic subjects. This association persisted despite the higher prevalence of other comorbid conditions. ED prevention and diabetes management efforts are likely to go hand-in-hand.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2002

Intake of alcohol and alcoholic beverages and the risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

We prospectively examined the intake of alcoholic beverages in relation to the risk of basal cell carcinoma BCC in two large cohorts of men and women. Alcohol intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires every 2-4 years, and BCC was ascertained by self-report. We used a pooled logistic regression to model the association between alcohol intake and BCC adjusting for various health, sun exposure, and sun-sensitivity factors. During 8 years of follow-up in women (1986-1994) we recorded 3060 cases of BCC, and during 10 years (1986-1996), we recorded 3028 cases in men. Significant positive associations were observed between total alcohol intake (P for trend <0.0001), alcohol from liquor (P for trend = 0.003), and white wine (P for trend = 0.01) intake and risk of BCC. Compared with those who abstained, those who drank 0.1-4.9 g, 5.0-14.9 g, 15.0-14.9 g, and 30 g or more alcohol a day had multivariate relative risks of 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03, 1.19], 1.26 (95% CI, 1.12, 1.41), 1.29 (95% CI, 1.18, 1.42), and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01, 1.26), respectively. Alcohol from beer had no association with BCC in either cohort, and red wine appeared to have an inverse association in women (P for trend = 0.004) but not in men. These associations remained unchanged after adjustment for individual vitamins, multivitamin use, outdoor walking, and exclusion of follow-up time after last physical examination among those who never had BCC. Alcohol intake was associated with BCC, but the association appeared to be different for each type of alcoholic beverage. Other studies are needed to confirm these results.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A prospective study on supplemental vitamin e intake and risk of colon cancer in women and men.

We conducted a prospective study on the association between supplemental vitamin E and colon cancer in 87,998 females from the Nurses' Health Study and 47, 344 males from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. There was some suggestion that men with supplemental vitamin E intake of 300 IU/day or more may be at lower risk for colon cancer when compared with never users [multivariate relative risk (RR), 300-500 IU/day versus never users, 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-1.03); >or=600 IU/day versus never users = 0.70 (95% CI = 0.38-1.29)], but CIs included 1. In women, there was no evidence for an inverse association between vitamin E supplementation and risk of colon cancer. Our findings do not provide consistent support for an inverse association between supplemental vitamin E and colon cancer risk. Considering the paucity of epidemiological data on this association, further studies of vitamin E and colon cancer are warranted.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Exercise type and intensity in relation to coronary heart disease in men.

CONTEXT: Studies have shown an inverse relationship between exercise and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but data on type and intensity are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To assess the amount, type, and intensity of physical activity in relation to risk of CHD among men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 44 452 US men enrolled in the Health Professionals' Follow-up Study, followed up at 2-year intervals from 1986 through January 31, 1998, to assess potential CHD risk factors, identify newly diagnosed cases of CHD, and assess levels of leisure-time physical activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incident nonfatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD occurring during the follow-up period. RESULTS: During 475 755 person-years, we documented 1700 new cases of CHD. Total physical activity, running, weight training, and rowing were each inversely associated with risk of CHD. The RRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) corresponding to quintiles of metabolic equivalent tasks (METs) for total physical activity adjusted for age, smoking, and other cardiovascular risk factors were 1.0, 0.90 (0.78-1.04), 0.87 (0.75-1.00), 0.83 (0.71-0.96), and 0.70 (0.59-0.82) (P<.001 for trend). Men who ran for an hour or more per week had a 42% risk reduction (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.77) compared with men who did not run (P<.001 for trend). Men who trained with weights for 30 minutes or more per week had a 23% risk reduction (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.98) compared with men who did not train with weights (P =.03 for trend). Rowing for 1 hour or more per week was associated with an 18% risk reduction (RR, 0.82; 05% CI, 0.68-0.99). Average exercise intensity was associated with reduced CHD risk independent of the total volume of physical activity. The RRs (95% CIs) corresponding to moderate (4-6 METs) and high (6-12 METs) activity intensities were 0.94 (0.83-1.04) and 0.83 (0.72-0.97) compared with low activity intensity (<4 METs) (P =.02 for trend). A half-hour per day or more of brisk walking was associated with an 18% risk reduction (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.67-1.00). Walking pace was associated with reduced CHD risk independent of the number of walking hours. CONCLUSIONS: Total physical activity, running, weight training, and walking were each associated with reduced CHD risk. Average exercise intensity was associated with reduced risk independent of the number of MET-hours spent in physical activity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anger expression and risk of stroke and coronary heart disease among male health professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Anger expression is a dimension of anger that may be strongly related to coronary heart disease and stroke. To date few cohort studies have evaluated the role of anger coping style in the development of cardiovascular disease. This study prospectively examined the effects of anger expression on incidence of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Participants were male health professionals (N = 23,522), aged 50 to 85 years old and without previous cardiovascular disease, who responded to a mailed questionnaire incorporating the Spielberger Anger-Out Expression Scale in 1996. The cohort was followed for 2 years (1996-1998). RESULTS: Men with moderate levels of anger expression had a reduced risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction compared with those with lower levels of expression (relative risk: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.32-0.97), controlling for coronary risk factors, health behaviors, use of psychotropic medication, employment status, and social integration. Anger expression was also inversely associated with risk of stroke. The multivariate relative risk of stroke was 0.42 (95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.88), comparing men with higher anger-out scores to men with lower scores. A protective dose-response relationship was observed between anger-out score and risk of stroke (p for multivariate trend test: 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among this cohort of older men with high socioeconomic status and relatively low level of anger expression on average, moderate anger expression seemed to be protective against cardiovascular disease over a limited follow-up period.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The McLawsuit: the fast-food industry and legal accountability for obesity.

Recent litigation brought by a group of overweight children against the McDonald's Corporation that seeks compensation for obesity-related health problems has provoked an intense public response. Many have derided this lawsuit as representing the worst excesses of the tort liability system, while others have drawn parallels to tobacco litigation. Fast-food litigation raises the question of where accountability for the economic and public health consequences of obesity properly rests. In this paper we consider the reasonableness of the claims against fast-food companies and discuss several social effects that the litigation may have irrespective of its outcome in court.

Causality↗