Development and validation of an ankle brachial index risk model for the prediction of cardiovascular events.

Background: The ankle brachial index (ABI) is related to risk of cardiovascular events independent of the Framingham risk score (FRS). The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a risk model for cardiovascular events incorporating the ABI and FRS.

Design: An analysis of participant data from 18 cohorts in which 24,375 men and 20,377 women free of coronary heart disease had ABI measured and were followed up for events.

Behavioural and psychosocial correlates of nondipping blood pressure pattern among middle-aged men and women at work.

The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of nondipping blood pressure (BP) pattern are not completely understood. Especially the role of psychosocial correlates remains unclear. The aim was to assess the association between nondipping BP pattern, behavioural and psychosocial factors in a sample of working men and women.

The differential impact of job isostrain and home-work interference on indicators of physical and mental health in women and men.

Objectives: To evaluate (1) whether the physical and mental health of male workers differs from that of female workers, and, if so, whether (2) this is affected by the interplay between work and nonwork burden.

Methods: We pooled two large Belgian databases (BELSTRESS III, SOMSTRESS) comprising data on 4810 (2847 women). Gender-specific logistic regressions were performed using a four-level variable as predictor.

Electrocardiograms of menopausal women with coronary heart disease or at increased risk for its occurrence.

Little is known about electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of menopausal women with or at increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Data from 10,101 participants in the Raloxifene Use for The Heart (RUTH) trial were used to correlate baseline ECG abnormalities with clinical characteristics. Baseline characteristics that were statistically significantly associated (p ≤ 0.

The perception of work stressors is related to reduced parasympathetic activity.

Purpose: The aim was to examine the perception of work stressors in relation to ambulatory measures of heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods: Results are based on a sample of 653 healthy male workers aged 40-55 from the Belgian Physical Fitness Study conducted in 1976-1978. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and bio-clinical examinations.