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
Research Study Types. There are many different types of research studies, and each has distinct strengths and weaknesses. In general, randomized trials and cohort studies provide the best information when looking at the link between a certain factor (like diet) and a health outcome (like heart disease). Laboratory and Animal Studies.