Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease (the leading cause of death in North America), stroke (the third leading cause), congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
The results of a survey or a cross-sectional study can also be used to estimate the relative risk. Kuzma uses the data from a community health survey of retirees to study the relationship between smoking and heart disease. The data are given in the table. Does the retiree have heart disease? (Is the disease present?) YES NO Total
What is the difference between prospective and retrospective studies? A: A prospective study monitors the outcome within a study group and relates it to suspected risk or preventive factors. A retrospective study relates the outcome to risk and preventive factors present prior to the start of the study. Prospective studies involve larger study groups than retrospective studies.