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
Different types of studies can be used to look at cancer risk from menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Randomized controlled trials: In this kind of study, a group of patients get the drug being studied (like MHT), and another (control) group gets a placebo (like a sugar pill).