J Natl Med Assoc
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Lipoprotein phenotypes total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels were obtained from blood samples of 189 patients attending the Drew Hamilton Clinic in Central Harlem, New York, between 1987 and 1988. The study population ranged in age from 7 to 88 years; 135 of the patients were females and 54 were males. A difference in distribution of lipoprotein phenotypes was observed compared with the general population of the United States. ⋯ Differences also were observed for blacks versus the general US population for Type IV (24% versus 45%), Type IIB (9% versus 40%), and Type V (0% versus 5%). Types I and III were rare in both groups (0% versus < 1%). The increased frequency of Type IIA among this predominantly black inner-city population may have implications for treatment strategies and prognostic value for predicting the risk of coronary heart disease.
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Considerable disparities in cardiovascular and stroke mortality and morbidity rates exist between African Americans and other Americans. Increased prevalence and severity of hypertension, with earlier onset and often inadequate therapy, seem to be the major culprits responsible for the differences. ⋯ The American Heart Association and the National Medical Association have these and many other goals in common. Concerted action by all concerned organizations is essential.
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Comparative Study
The relationship between maternal hematocrit and pregnancy outcome: black-white differences.
Racial differences in hematocrit levels and the relationship between low and high hematocrit, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm delivery were studied in a population of 17,149 low-income, iron- and folate-supplemented pregnant women. Hematocrit levels drawn during four gestational periods were considered. ⋯ Our major finding was that at 31 to 34 weeks, hematocrits > or = 40% were associated with significantly higher odds ratios for intrauterine growth retardation for both blacks and whites. These findings should prompt more attention to women who have high hematocrits in pregnancy while reducing concern for women of either race with low hematocrits.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in blacks. The prevalence of COPD among blacks was estimated from the spirometry data obtained from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1971-1975. Of 873 subjects, 585 (67%) had acceptable spirometry trials. ⋯ The overall prevalence of COPD was 5.4%; 3.7% for males and 6.7% for females. The prevalence was significantly higher with age for both males and females. The multiple logistic regression analyses showed that age and sex were associated with COPD but respiratory symptoms did not attain statistical significance.