Prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors in a young military population

This study was undertaken to determine the extent to which coronary heart disease risk factors are manifest in a young (17-35 years old) male military population. Approximately 360 individuals underwent medical and physical determination of body composition, blood cholesterol analysis, blood pressure measurement, history of smoking, and a maximal exercise stress test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and the incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities. Obesity (greater than 20% body fat), elevated blood cholesterol (greater than 200 mg/dl), and cigarette smoking (greater than 10 cigarettes/d) were the most predominant risk factors with incidences of 29, 32, and 36%, respectively. Only 2.4% of the sample had a positive stress test as indicated by an ST-segment depression of 1mm or greater. An inverse relationship between VO2 max and percent body fat was the only significant finding between level of aerobic power and risk factor prevalence. These data provide information on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in an age group for which there has been only limited information.