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
The two main types are prospective studies and retrospective studies. It contrasts with a cross-sectional s. pilot study a smaller version of a proposed research study, conducted to refine the methodology of the later one. It should be as similar to the proposed study as possible, using similar subjects, the same setting, and the same techniques of data collection and analysis.