BODY HEIGHT, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS, AND RISK OF STROKE IN MIDDLE-AGED MEN AND WOMEN - A 14-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE FINNMARK STUDY

Background Geographical differences in stroke mortality are not fully explained by population variations in blood pressure and antihypertens ive treatment. Some studies have suggested that factors connected with health and nutrition in early life may be related to stroke morbidity and mortality. Body height is a sensitive marker for socioeconomic co nditions, but results are conflicting as to whether height is associat ed with stroke. Methods and Results In a population-based study, we in vestigated stroke incidence in relation to height and classic cardiova scular risk factors. A total of 13 266 men and women 35 to 52 years of age were followed for 14 years, and 241 first events of stroke were r egistered. Stroke incidence was 36% higher in men. Height was inversel y related to stroke in a dose-response manner. Per 5-cm increase in he ight, the age-adjusted risk of stroke was 25% lower in women (P<.0001) and 18% lower in men (P=.0007). Systolic blood pressure and daily smo king were positively associated with stroke in both sexes, while serum triglyceride level was a significant risk factor in women only (relat ive risk per 1 mmol/L, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.5). The associations rema ined after adjustment for possible confounders and were also observed in certain subtypes of stroke. Conclusions The results are consistent with the theory that factors influencing early growth as well as adult lifestyle factors contribute to cerebrovascular disease in adult age.