CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE RISK-FACTORS AND BODY-COMPOSITION - A REVIEW

A limited review is presented of articles published between 1982 and 1993 that deals with the association of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and body composition. The risk factors included in this article are blood pressure, and lipids and lipoproteins. Body composition variables included were obtained from anthropometry, bioelectric impedance, body density, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Specific attention is paid to the various definitions of obesity, regional fat distribution, and their cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with risk factors. In addition, we address issuses of tracking of risk factors and of body composition from childhood into adulthood. Relative risks of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for elevated body fat and adverse fat distribution are explored also. The review is summarized extensively in tables to assist the reader in making his/her own interpretation and conclusion. Areas of future research are suggested.