Biomedical subjects

J S Viikari

Publications and source records attributed to J S Viikari.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Influence of cardiovascular risk status on coronary flow reserve in healthy young men.

To detect changes in vascular physiology associated with early atherosclerosis, we studied whether alterations in coronary flow reserve, as assessed by positron emission tomography imaging with intravenous dipyridamole, would be related to risk factor variables in healthy young men. The number of conventional risk variables correlated significantly with coronary flow reserve (r = -0.58, p = 0.0007), suggesting that alterations in functional vascular reactivity are related to the cardiovascular risk status already in healthy young men.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Serum complement and familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is one of the most common inherited lipid disorders. Resistance of adipocytes to the effects of acylation stimulating protein (ASP) may contribute to ineffective triglyceride synthesis and thereby prolonged postprandial lipemia and increased fatty acid flux to the liver seen in FCHL patients. Interestingly, ASP is identical to C3a-desArg, fragment of the third component of complement. We examined the relationships between serum levels of complement components C3 and C4 and markers of lipid and glucose metabolism in 11 large FCHL families (n = 53). Median serum C3 levels were 38% higher in affected compared to non-affected male FCHL family members (1.90 g/l vs. 1.38, P = 0.0027). The strongest correlations were observed between serum complement C3 and apolipoprotein B levels, reaching 0.77 in males. These relations were not confounded by obesity or impaired glucose tolerance. In conclusion, serum levels of the main complement components C3 and C4 correlated significantly with serum lipid levels. Further studies are needed to clarify the importance of disturbances in the complement system on the pathogenesis of FCHL and other lipid disorders.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed1997

Phenotype expression in familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL) is one of the most common hereditary disorders predisposing to early coronary death. The affected family members have elevations of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides or both. Despite intensive research efforts the genetic and metabolic defects underlying this complex disorder are still unknown. To dissect the metabolism and genetics of FCHL the phenotype of an individual must be precisely defined. We assessed the influence of different diagnostic criteria on the phenotype definition and studied factors affecting the phenotype expression in 16 large Finnish families (n = 255) with FCHL. The fractile cut-points used to define abnormal lipid values had a profound influence on the diagnosis of FCHL. If the 90th percentile cut-point was used, approximately 45% of the family members were affected, in concord with the presumed dominant mode of transmission for FCHL. If the 95th percentile was used only 22% of study subjects were affected. To characterize the metabolic differences or similarities between the different lipid phenotypes, we determined very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles separated by ultracentrifugation. In linkage analysis no single ultracentrifugation variable could discriminate reliably affected family members from non-affected family members. Our data emphasizes the need for re-evaluation of FCHL diagnostic criteria. Preferably, the diagnosis should be based on a single, reliable metabolic marker.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

In vivo low density lipoprotein oxidation relates to coronary reactivity in young men.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to examine the relation of in vivo low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and other lipid risk factors to coronary reactivity in normal subjects. BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) particles are injurious to the vascular wall by impairing its normal vasodilator function. METHODS: We used noninvasive positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging with intravenous dipyridamole to measure coronary flow reserve, a marker of coronary endothelial and smooth muscle function, in 30 healthy men (mean [+/-SD] age 34.4 +/- 3.2 years). As a marker of in vivo LDL oxidation, the autoantibody titer against ox-LDL was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Plasma levels of autoantibody titer against ox-LDL were inversely associated with coronary flow reserve (r = -0.42, p = 0.023). High LDL cholesterol levels (above median > 3.0 mmol/liter) were associated with a low coronary flow reserve only in subjects expressing simultaneously high levels of ox-LDL titer (above median). Subjects with simultaneously high levels of LDL cholesterol and ox-LDL titer had lower coronary flow reserve values than subjects in other groups (3.89 vs. > 5.0 in other groups, p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence for the role of ox-LDL in affecting the coronary reactivity in vivo and support the concept that oxidative modification of LDL particles provides a mechanism by which high LDL concentrations exhibit injurious effects on the coronary vascular bed.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Associations between physical activity and risk factors for coronary heart disease: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Risk factors such as high serum cholesterol concentration measured in young adulthood predict premature coronary heart disease (CHD) in the middle-aged. The objective of this study was to analyze the associations between physical activity and CHD risk factors--body composition, blood pressure, serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and insulin--in children and young adults. The design was a cross-sectional study of atherosclerosis precursors in children and young adults using a cohort of children and young adults (N = 2,358) aged 9 to 24 years to determine indices of physical activity, measurements of anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, serum lipids, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and insulin. The results show that a high level of physical activity was associated with high serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL2-C concentrations, and low levels of serum triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B and insulin in males. However, in females, the influence of physical activity was evident only on TG level. In both genders, physical activity was inversely associated with obesity. In all these associations, a significant dose-related relationship was observed. We found no association between physical activity and blood pressure. In conclusion, physical activity is associated with a favorable serum lipid profile already during childhood and early adulthood in a dose-related manner, particularly in males. The promotion of physical activity is important in childhood in preventing obesity and premature cardiovascular disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Associations between diet and the hyperapobetalipoproteinemia phenotype expression in children and young adults: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

The effect of diet on blood lipids has been under intensive study during recent decades. However, diet in the context of the hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (hyperapoB) phenotype has received less attention. The hyperapoB phenotype is commonly encountered in patients with premature coronary heart disease. It is defined as a combination of an increased concentration of apolipoprotein B (apo B), a normal concentration of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and as a result, a low LDL-C/apo B ratio. We studied the associations between diet and blood lipids in a cohort of 534 children and young adults 9 to 24 years old. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats (P/S ratio) correlated (r=-0.19, P<.001) with the LDL-C/apo B ratio. This association was also found when the model was adjusted with triglycerides (r=-0.24, P<.001). A change in the P/S ratio from 0.10 to 0.60 corresponded to a decrease of 0.12 in the LDL-C/apo B ratio, and in the highest apo B decile, the P/S value was higher in hyperapoB individuals (0.33) than in others (0.28, P=.019). Our results imply that the fatty acid composition of the diet may be one of the environmental factors that influence the hyperapoB phenotype expression.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

No evidence of linkage between familial combined hyperlipidemia and genes encoding lipolytic enzymes in Finnish families.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is characterized by different lipid phenotypes (IIa, IIb, IV) and elevated apolipoprotein B (apo B) levels in affected family members. Despite intensive research, the genes involved in the expression of this complex disorder have not been identified, probably because of problems associated with phenotype definition, unknown mode of inheritance, and most probably genetic heterogeneity. To explore the genetics of FCHL in the genetically homogeneous Finnish population, we collected 14 well-documented Finnish pedigrees with premature coronary heart disease and FCHL-like dyslipidemia. The lipolytic enzymes lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were selected as initial candidate genes because of their central roles in apo B and triglyceride metabolism. On the basis of the pedigree structures, a dominant mode of inheritance was adopted for linkage analyses, and serum total cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels exceeding the 90th percentile level were set as diagnostic criteria (criterion 1). In pairwise linkage analyses with intragenic markers, no evidence for linkage was found. Instead, the significantly negative LOD scores suggested exclusion of all three loci for single major gene effect. LOD scores were -14.63, -5.03, and -5.70 for the three LPL polymorphisms (theta=0.00); -9.40, -6.30, and -4.74 for the three HL polymorphisms (theta=0.00); and -15.29 for the HSL polymorphism (theta=0.00). The results were very similar when apo B levels over the 90th percentile were used as criteria for affected status (criterion 2). Also, when linkage calculations were carried out using an intermediate or recessive mode of inheritance, the results of pairwise linkage analysis remained negative. Furthermore, when haplotypes were constructed from multiple polymorphisms of the LPL and HL genes, no segregation with the FCHL phenotype could be observed in the 14 Finnish families. Data obtained by the affected sib-pair method supported these findings, suggesting that the LPL, HL, or HSL genes do not represent major loci influencing the expression of the FCHL phenotype.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Tracking of serum lipoprotein (a) concentration and its contribution to serum cholesterol values in children from 7 to 36 months of age in the STRIP Baby Study. Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project for Babies.

We investigated the tracking phenomenon of serum lipoprotein (a) concentrations and assessed the impact of serum concentration of lipoprotein (a) cholesterol on total cholesterol concentrations in children from 7 to 36 months of age. Serum samples for lipoprotein (a) and cholesterol determinations at 7, 13, 24 and 36 months were prospectively obtained from 430 children. Serum lipoprotein (a) was determined using immunoradiometric assay. A strong correlation was observed between lipoprotein (a) concentrations at 7 and 36 months of age (r = 0.88, P < 0.001). Seventy-eight per cent to 86% of the children in the lowest and highest lipoprotein (a) quintiles at 13 months remained in the respective quintiles at 36 months. The average contribution of lipoprotein (a) cholesterol to total cholesterol varied from 0.5% to 3.2% (individual variation 0.13-32.39%) depending on the type of milk received and the age of the children. At 7 months the contribution was 0.44% in breast-fed and 0.93% in formula-fed infants (P < 0.0001). The tracking phenomenon of serum lipoprotein (a) concentrations is strong already in early childhood. The contribution of lipoprotein (a) cholesterol to serum total cholesterol concentration should be taken into account when the changes in serum cholesterol levels are interpreted in the first year of life.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1997

Dupuytren's disease: association with chronic diabetic complications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of Dupuytren's disease and its association with the clinical characteristics in subjects with type I (insulin dependent) and II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. To examine the association between Dupuytren's disease and chronic diabetic complications. METHODS: We studied 297 patients with type I [age (mean +/- SD) 33.2 +/- 10.0 yrs] and 139 with type II diabetes [age 61.3 +/- 12.3 yrs]. We investigated the presence of Dupuytren's disease, limited joint mobility, and the following complications: retinopathy, micro- and macroalbuminuria, and somatic peripheral symmetrical polyneuropathy (neuropathy). RESULTS: The prevalence of Dupuytren's disease was 14% in type II patients; prevalence was the same in both sexes. Dupuytren's was associated with age and duration of diabetes in type I patients (p < 0.001). Its presence was significantly related to retinopathy, neuropathy, limited joint mobility, and shoulder capsulitis in type I and to macroalbuminuria in type II patients, by chi-squared test. However, all these associations, except to macroalbuminuria in type II subjects, disappeared when the confounding effect of age and duration of diabetes was controlled by logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Dupuytren's was the same in type I and II subjects although type I subjects were younger. No sex difference of the prevalence of Dupuytren's was seen in patients with diabetes. The disease was associated with macroalbuminuria in type II subjects independent of time related variables. Other associations between Dupuytren's disease and diabetic complications were explained by time related variables in type I and in type II subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Antihypertensive treatment and heart rate variability in diabetic patients: role of cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

Optimization of antihypertensive drug therapy continues to be a clinical challenge in patients with diabetes mellitus and its complications. We assessed the interference of autonomic neuropathy with drug effects on heart rate variability in 13 hypertensive diabetic subjects (mean age 48.4 years) during treatment with two blood pressure lowering drugs, metoprolol and enalapril. The baseline findings were compared with those obtained in 24 diabetic subjects without hypertension (mean age 32.5 years) and in 24 non-diabetic hypertensive patients (mean age 47.6 years). Cardiovagal autonomic neuropathy was present in 10/13 (77%) of the hypertensive diabetic group, 14/24 (58%) the non-hypertensive diabetic group and 17/24 (71%) the non-diabetic hypertensive group. Heart rate variation was studied by power spectral analysis using total variability and three different frequency bands (low-frequency 0.025-0.075 Hz, mid-frequency 0.075-0.15 Hz and high-frequency 0.15-0.40 Hz). At baseline, the two hypertensive groups showed significantly smaller mid- and high-frequency heart rate variability compared with the diabetes only group. Age and the presence of cardiovagal autonomic neuropathy were important determinants of variability. Both metoprolol and enalapril reduced blood pressure comparably in hypertensive diabetics while metoprolol also reduced heart rate. Metoprolol decreased heart rate variability at the low-frequency and mid-frequency bands even after correction for the change in heart rate. Heart rate variability was not significantly altered by enalapril. In subjects with hypertension, diabetes and autonomic neuropathy, metoprolol almost abolished all heart rate variability. Therefore, an ACE inhibitor is a more neutral treatment alternative in such patients from the point of view of autonomic cardiac control.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Prevalence of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and factors affecting the phenotype expression in children and young adults. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (hyperapoB) is one of the most common phenotypes in patients with premature coronary heart disease. In this study the factors that affect the expression of the hyperapoB phenotype were evaluated in young individuals. A cohort of 1125 children and young adults aged 9-24 years was classified into three groups by sex: (1) normal serum apolipoprotein B (apoB), (2) high apoB (> or = 90th percentile) and normal low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C < 90th), (3) high apoB and high LDL-C (> or = 90th percentile). In females, alcohol use (11, 33, 0%, in groups 1-3, P < 0.05) and oral contraceptive use (35, 83, 47%, P < 0.01) were significantly different between the groups and the highest frequencies were seen in the hyperapoB group (group 2). In both sexes smoking tended to be more common in the hyperapoB group (29, 43, 18%, P < 0.14). The two hyperapoB definition criteria (high apoB and low LDL-C/apoB ratio) were studied with multiple linear regression analyses. Oral contraceptive use correlated positively with apoB values (coefficient beta = 0.101, R2 = 2.1%, P < 0.01) and negatively with LDL-C/apoB ratio (beta = -0.134, R2 = 3.3%, P < 0.001). Alcohol use (beta = -0.072, R2 = 2.9%, P < 0.001) and smoking (beta = -0.050, R2 = 1.0%, P < 0.05) correlated negatively with LDL-C/apoB ratio. Prevalence of the hyperapoB phenotype was 4.4%. According to the results, the expression of the hyperapoB phenotype may be influenced by common lifestyle habits. This should be considered if high risk young individuals are identified through the expression of the hyperapoB phenotype.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Limited joint mobility is associated with the presence but does not predict the development of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes.

Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that limited joint mobility (LJM) is associated with microvascular complications in diabetic patients. This study was performed to see whether LJM predicts the development of other diabetic complications and which factors predispose to the development of LJM. A total of 206 Type 1 diabetic patients (mean age 30.0 +/- 9.5 (SD) years) was studied at baseline. The follow-up study was performed 5 years later in 167 of 206 (81.1%) patients. At the baseline the presence of LJM was assessed by asking patients to approximate the palmar surfaces of fingers in a praying position with fingers fanned and the wrists maximally flexed. LJM was confirmed by passive extension. At the follow-up LJM was first reassessed by the same method and then further studied by goniometer and classified by the method of Rosenbloom. The diabetic patients were assessed in terms of the following complications: background and proliferative retinopathy, peripheral symmetrical polyneuropathy, and clinical nephropathy. The prevalence of LJM was 52.9% at baseline. The odds ratio for proliferative retinopathy was 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.2-9.5) and for neuropathy 2.5 (95% confidence interval 1.2-5.3) in diabetic patients with LJM compared to patients without LJM, when the confounding effect of the duration of diabetes, age and the body mass index was excluded. LJM developed in 30 patients during the 5-year follow-up (7% per year) and its development was not predicted by any of the microvascular complications at baseline. Proliferative retinopathy developed in 4 of 51 (7.8%) patients with and 3 of 63 (4.8%) patients without LJM at baseline (p = 0.3). Nephropathy developed in 11 of 56 (19.6%) patients with and 11 of 66 (16.7%) patients without LJM at baseline (p = 0.7) and peripheral symmetrical neuropathy in 14 of 45 (31.1%) and 20 of 64 (31.3%) patients respectively (p = 1.0). LJM did not predict diabetic microvascular complications or vice versa. Since LJM is associated with microvascular complications in cross-sectional studies, the clinical value of the assessment of LJM is limited to an orienteering examination in the clinical evaluation of a diabetic patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The effect of physical activity on serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations varies with apolipoprotein E phenotype in male children and young adults: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) determines serum total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol concentrations and is thus associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. We studied if the effect of physical activity (PA) on serum TC and LDL-C concentrations varies with apo E phenotype in a population-based sample of children and young adults with regular PA. The study cohort consisted of subjects aged 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 years in 1986 (N = 1,498) participating in a large multicenter study of cardiovascular risk factors in children and young adults. Serum lipid concentrations were determined enzymatically, and apo E phenotypes by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The composition of the diet was determined by a 48-hour recall method, and a PA index was calculated on the basis of frequency, intensity, and duration of activity assessed by a questionnaire. LDL-C (P = .0082), TC (P = .014), and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/TC ratio (P = .0004) responses to exercise varied with apo E phenotype. The effect of PA on LDL-C, TC, or HDL/TC was not found in apo E phenotype E4/4. A moderate inverse effect of PA on TC and LDL-C and a positive effect on HDL/TC was found in subjects with E4/3 and E3/3 phenotypes. Similar but stronger associations were found between these variables within the group of E3/2 males. The effect of PA on serum lipid levels was strongest within the phenotype E3/2. These associations were not explained by dietary habits. Apo E phenotype partly determines the effect of PA on serum TC and LDL-C in Finnish male children and young adults with regular PA.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Influence of parental occupation on coronary heart disease risk factors in children. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of parental occupation on selected coronary heart disease risk factors was studied in a cohort of Finnish children aged 9, 12 and 15 years (n = 1211) as part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in 1986. METHODS: The relationships of parental occupation to serum lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations, blood pressure, obesity, smoking, physical activity, diet and birthweight were examined. The occupation of the parents was obtained by a questionnaire and classified as I: upper non-manual (22%), II: lower non-manual (26%), III: upper manual (32%), IV: lower manual (5%) and F: farmers (15%). RESULTS: Highest serum total and how density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were found in classes IV and F. Boys from class IV had 7.1% higher total cholesterol concentrations compared to class I (4.98 mmol/l versus 4.65 mmol/l, P = 0.0033), whereas farmers' girls had 10.4% higher concentrations than girls from class III (5.31 mmol/l versus 4.81 mmol/l, P = 0.0057). Blood pressure was related to parental occupation only in boys, and the values were highest in class F. Boys from class IV smoked most often, and they also had lowest values for physical activity index and highest obesity indices. Farmers' children consumed significantly more saturated fat and cholesterol than children from other classes. In boys, the percentage of subjects with a low birthweight (< or = 10th percentile) was smallest in class I and greatest in class IV (7.1% versus 20.7%, P = 0.0330). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status based on parental occupation is associated with several coronary heart disease risk factors already present in children. These differences should be taken into account in prevention programmes aimed at children at an increased risk for developing coronary heart disease as adults.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Patterns of intense physical activity among 15- to 30-year-old Finns. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Previous studies have reported increasing trends in physical activity in the Finnish population. These reports have not, however, included the perspective of cardiorespiratory stress in adolescent and young adults. We examined the present patterns of physical activity among Finnish adolescents and young adults in 1992. We specifically assessed whether the young people experience the volume of physical activity that is believed to stress the cardiorespiratory system appropriately in order to increase the level of fitness. The subjects in the present study were participants of a large multicenter study of atherosclerosis precursors in children and young adults. Physical activity was measured with a self-administered questionnaire in 2255 adolescents and young adults (1015 males and 1240 females). The proportion of subjects undertaking the volume of physical activity believed to benefit the cardiorespiratory system appropriately was 19%. The proportion was higher in males than in females (26 vs 13%). The proportion of active subjects became smaller in older age groups in both sexes. Half the study population (51% of the males; 48% of the females) reported frequent leisure-time physical activity less than once a month. In conclusion, Finnish adolescents and young adults have low levels of physical activity on the average, and many young Finns seldom undertake the volume of physical activity believed to benefit the cardiopulmonary system. Young males seem to be physically more active than females.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Shoulder capsulitis in type I and II diabetic patients: association with diabetic complications and related diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between shoulder capsulitis and chronic diabetic complications and diseases closely related to diabetes. METHODS: A cross sectional study in 291 type I [mean (SD) age 33.2 (9.9) years] and 134 type II [61.1 (12.4) years] diabetic patients. The presence of shoulder capsulitis, Dupuytren disease, and limited joint mobility was sought. The patients were assessed for background and proliferative retinopathy, nephropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and peripheral symmetrical somatic polyneuropathy. Diseases closely related to diabetes (hypertension, history of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease) were also recorded. RESULTS: Prevalence of shoulder capsulitis was 10.3% in type I and 22.4% in type II diabetic subjects. Shoulder capsulitis was associated with the age in types I (P < 0.01) and II (P < 0.05) diabetic patients, and with the duration of diabetes in type I patients (P < 0.01). Odds ratios for autonomic neuropathy in type I and type II diabetic subjects with shoulder capsulitis were 4.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 10.9) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.1 to 7.0), respectively, after controlling for age and duration of diabetes. Odds ratio for history of myocardial infarction in type I diabetic subjects with shoulder capsulitis was 13.7 (95% CI, 1.3 to 139.5) after controlling for age, duration of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking habits. Other associations between shoulder capsulitis and diabetic complications, related diseases, and other hand abnormalities were fully explained by age and the duration of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder capsulitis is common in type I and type II diabetic patients. It is associated with age in type I and II diabetic patients and with the duration of diabetes in type I patients. It is associated with autonomic neuropathy in type I and II diabetic patients and with history of myocardial infarction in type I diabetic patients, independently of time related variables.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Effect of leisure-time physical activity change on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adolescents and young adults.

In adults, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is higher among physically active subjects. However, the association of physical activity and HDL-C is less well studied in adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, it is not known whether the effect of physical activity on HDL-C levels is independent, or whether it is mediated by other physiological changes seen in exercise, such as weight loss or increased insulin sensitivity. In order to study the effects of leisure-time physical activity on the levels of serum HDL-C concentration, we analysed longitudinal data from a follow-up study of adolescents and young adults. The study subjects were participants of a large multicentre study of cardiovascular risk factors, aged 15-21 years at the beginning of the study (n = 714). HDL-C was measured from the serum supernatant after precipitation with dextran sulphate and MgCl2. A physical activity index was calculated on the basis of frequency, intensity, and duration of leisure-time activity assessed by a questionnaire. In males, an increase in the physical activity level predicted an increase in HDL-C concentration, and this association persisted after simultaneously controlling for changes in body mass index (kg/m2), subscapular skinfold thickness, serum insulin and triglyceride concentrations, and smoking. For example, an increase in the physical activity level corresponding to approximately 1 hour of intensive exercise weekly lead to an increase of 42 mumol/L in HDL-C as calculated from the regression equation. In conclusion, physical activity seems to have a direct effect on HDL-C levels among young male subjects within the usual range of physical activity levels.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Clustering of risk habits in young adults. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

The authors studied the occurrence of common lifestyle risk factors, namely, nonprudent diet, smoking, physical inactivity, and frequent inebriation by alcohol in a cohort of young adults aged 18, 21, and 24 years (n = 484) as part of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in 1986. Risk habits showed significant clustering; the number of subjects was greater than expected in groups with zero and three of four risk habits and less than expected in the group with only one or two risk habits. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to find independent determinants for this clustering from a set of socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral (type A components) determinants. The logistic model suggested several independent risk factors for risk habit clustering. These included male sex, aggressiveness, and past unemployment. Paying a lot of attention to health habits, higher education (being a student), good self-perceived health, and a high sense of responsibility seemed to be protective factors against risk habit clustering. The accumulation of risk habits was also associated with an atherogenic lipid and blood pressure profile (clustering of high density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure in their extreme tertiles). These findings show that common risk habits cluster among young adults. Knowledge about the determinants of this clustering will aid in the planning of future preventive strategies against cardiovascular diseases in young people.

Adolescent↗