AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RISK-FACTORS FOR ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASEMORTALITY

This study examines age and gender differences in risk factors for isc hemic heart disease mortality using data from the 1986 National Mortal ity Followback Survey. The sample includes 4,206 decedents over the ag e of 30 for whom the proxy respondent was a family member. Risk factor s are grouped according to Acquired Risks, living arrangements, occupa tional prestige, health practices, and Biological Risks, body mass, fa mily history of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, to assess d ifferential impact, with demographic controls. Logistic regression rev eals that age differences are more pronounced than gender differences and that biological risks are stronger than acquired risks. Findings s uggest that increasing health practices among younger individuals and treating co-morbidities among older individuals may be most likely tar gets for successful intervention.