.....ARIC


A cohort study of risk factors for clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Data Sources

    Approximately 16,000 participants from four sites (4,000 in Washington County). Comprehensive examinations every three years until 1999, ages 45-64.

    Follow-up: Annual telephone interviews, search of death certificates and hospital records. Clinic visit every three years for detailed cardiovascular examinations, 1997-1999. Linkage to cancer registries. Annual follow-up after 1999.

Baseline Data:

    History:
    • Occupation
    • Income category
    • Family history
    • WHO cardiovascular questionnaire
    • Respiratory symptoms
    • Ovarian function and vasectomy
    • Smoking and alcohol histories
    • Food frequency questionnaire (Willett)
    • Physical activity

 

    Physical findings:
    • Height, weight, skinfolds
    • Blood pressure -- seated and after arising suddenly
    • Ventilatory function tests
    • Electrocardiographic findings
    • Ultrasonography of carotid arteries

    Laboratory:
    • RBC, WBC, platelets, hemoglobin,hematocrit
    • Detailed lipids and lipoproteins
    • Detailed coagulation factors
    • Standard chemistries

 

    Follow-up: annual telephone interviews, search of death certificates and hospital records, clinic visit every three years. Linkage to cancer registries.

Outcomes: clinical cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarct, angina pectoris, sudden coronary data, stroke); subclinical carotid atherosclerosis measured by B-mode ultrasound.

Linkages

    Linkage has been done with other Washington County data bases (CLUE I and 1975 census) leading to the following studies:
      Relationship of blood pressure in CLUE I to creatinine levels in ARIC's baseline visit (1987-89)
      Relationship of passive smoking determined in 1975 census and carotid atherosclerosis determined in ARIC's baseline visit.

Examples of studies involving ARIC participants

    In Washington County:
      Viral and bacterial agents (CLUE I sera) and carotid atherosclerosis (ARIC's baseline visit)
      Antioxidants (CLUE I sera) and carotid atherosclerosis (ARIC's baseline visit)
     In total cohort
      White blood cell and carotid wall thickness
      Estrogen replacement therapy and cognitive function

Mechanism for approval of manuscript proposals:

      Short (one page) proposals considered for approval by the ARIC's publications committee twice a month.

Basic reference:

      The ARIC investigators: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study: Design and Objectives. Am J Epidemiol 129:687-702, 1989.

For more information visit www.cscc.unc.edu/aric

Josef Coresh, M.D., Ph.D., Principle Investigator
(410) 955-0495
pjcoresh@jhsph.edu

Patricia Crowley, MS, Contact person
Study Coordinator/Surveillance Supervisor
301-791-1847
pcrowley@fred.net


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