Differences in Heart Stroke Volume between Han and Korean-Chinese Nationalities and Correlative Factors

Objective To compare the differences in stroke volume （SV） and stroke volume index （Sl） between Han and Korean-Chinese and to investigate the correlated risk factors. Methods A total of 1 647 Han and 876 Korean-Chinese aged 10-80 years were investigated. SV, SI, cardiac output, cardiac output index, heart rate （HR）, systemic vascular resistance （SVR）, systemic vascular resistance index （SVRI）, and blood pressure were measured. Results SV/SI values in Korean-Chinese were lower than those in the Han of the same sex and age. Covariance analysis showed that, apart from the effect of sex, age and body mass index （BMI）, the differences in SV and SI between the two cohorts were still significant （P〈O.O01）. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the SV difference between the two ethnicities was affected （in descending order from a strong to weak correlation） by SVR, SVRI, HR, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, BMI, and systolic blood pressure, while the SI difference was affected by SVR, SVRI, HR, mean arterial pressure, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and BMI. Conclusion The Fact that SV and SI in Korean-Chinese are lower than those in Han is related with higher SVR, HR and blood pressure in the Korean-Chinese.

Prevalence of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over and its impact on health related quality of life in a semi-rural area of western TUrkey

Background Hypertension is common, especially in individuals aged 40 years and over, and it affects about half of the population aged 60 years and over. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of hypertension among individuals aged 50 years and over, and to examine its effect on the health related quality of life （HRQOL）. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two settlements in a region of western Turkey between March 1 and April 30, 2007. A questionnaire concerning life habits associated with hypertension, medical histories, and demographic characteristics was filled in by a face to face interview. The SF-36 scale was used to assess HRQOL. Body mass index （BMI） was calculated by measuring the weight and length of the body. Results Of 1599 individuals living in the region, 1193 participated in the survey （48.3% men and 51.7% women）. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 59.5% （n=-710）, being 58.0% in men and 60.9% in women （P 〉0.05）. The variables that most positively influenced hypertension （P ≤0.05, for each one） were older age （especially the age group of those aged 60 and over）, single, no health insurance, consumption of animal fat in meals, and family history of hypertension. The HRQOL of the patients with hypertension was lower than that of those without hypertension （P ≤0.05）. The HRQOL was better in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was under control, whereas it was worse in those with at least one chronic disorder accompanying hypertension （P≤0.05, for each one）. Conclusions Great emphasis should be placed on the need for a public health program for the detection, prevention, and control of hypertension, including other risk factors, as well as for the modification of foods and life habits, specifically in individuals who are most likely to be at risk of hypertension.