|
Cardiovascular risk factors in young adults
During 1969-1974, Dr PSS Rao, Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, carried out a study of maternal health and pregnancy outcomes in geographically defined communities in Vellore. The study areas include 26 rural villages and 3 sections of varying socio-economic character in Vellore town. A house-to-house census was carried out, to identify women of child bearing age. Their height and weight were measured, and they were visited monthly by fieldworkers, to obtain accurate menstrual dates. Those who became pregnant were followed up by midwives, who were trained to carry out detailed measurements of the babies at birth. In the four years of the study measurements were recorded for 3,831 babies. Their weight and height were measured 3-monthly during infancy, and at 3-7 and 16-18 years. This cohort is an ideal population in which to examine effects of maternal body composition, size at birth, and childhood growth on later disease.
Measuring a baby, Vellore They are now young adults and are taking part in a study to measure cardiovascular risk. A questionnaire is used to gain information on socio-economic status, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and diet. Detailed anthropometry is measured using standard methods. Subjects are invited to a clinic, set up locally, for fasting blood samples and a glucose tolerance test. The statistical analyses will examine how the mother's height and body mass index and the subject's own size at birth and childhood growth are related to measures of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and secretion, and abnormalities of serum lipids, plasma clotting factors, blood pressure and body fat distribution. Adult influences including physical activity, diet, smoking, obesity, alcohol intake and socio-economic status will also be taken into account. The study is funded by the British Heart Foundation.
|
