Cohort Follow-Up Studies: Cardiovascular Disease

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Cohort Follow-up Studies: Cardiovascular Disease Michael Dore Strayer University Managerial Epidemiology HSA 535 Dr. Paul Emeka February 22, 2014 Cohort Follow-up Studies: Cardiovascular Disease Researchers and health professionals use study designs from an epidemiological position to investigate unexpected mechanisms related to disease incidence and identifies key factors for therapy and possible prevention. Several study designs make this possible for recognizing basic measures, risks and outcomes. Cohort follow-up studies cover a specific area of study that categorizes subjects at a point when the outcome of the disease is not present and compares the incidence of outcome among exposed and unexposed individuals past, present, and future. Basically, cohort studies measure exposure, measure outcome and methods of follow-up. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) affects millions worldwide. According to the American College of Cardiology CVD is the largest single cause of death among women. The economic impact in the United States although difficult to estimate figures show an amount over $400 billion was spent in 2006 on health care as a result of lost productivity compared to other deadly diseases, (American Heart Association [AHA], 2007). The cohort follow-up study can either be conducted from a prospective or retrospective view. The cohort prospective study collects data from a group formed and monitors over a period. Whereas retrospective cohort study collects data formed in the past. The main objective from either perspective compares the risks and outcomes defined in groups exposed and non-exposed. Major causes of CVD through cohort study designs identify several risk factors that contribute to CVD. In addition to age, other contributing factors include diet, hypertension, obesity, physical activity, smoking, gender, and family history. Studies also reveal

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