Coronary heart disease among Negroes and Whites in Evans County, Georgia

It is concluded that differences in CHD and serum cholesterol observed between the various racial, social class, and occupational groups of males appear explainable by differences in physical activity.

Abstract

A study has been carried out on various segments of the population of Evans County, Georgia. Coronary heart disease (CHD), and serum cholesterol levels were found to vary significantly between Negro and white males, with whites having the higher values. Significant differences in CHD and cholesterol were also found between high and low social class white males, with higher levels among high social class. The differences in CHD and cholesterol between Negro and white males were attributed to social class because low social class white males and Negro males did not differ significantly in either CHD prevalence or cholesterol level. The social class differences could be accounted for by differences in occupation. The important aspect of occupation appeared to be physical activity, and this was supported by additional data on activity obtained for one occupation group. Neither dietary fat intake nor cigarette smoking could explain the differences in CHD prevalence between Negroes and whites or high and low social class. Despite significant associations of physical activity with CHD and serum cholesterol, the association of serum cholesterol and CHD could explain only part of the association of physical activity with CHD. It is concluded that differences in CHD and serum cholesterol observed between the various racial, social class, and occupational groups of males appear explainable by differences in physical activity. Thus, a low level of physical activity appears to be a major determinant of CHD prevalence.