Risk factors for coronary heart disease in a black population.

A matched case control study using population-based controls was done over a 2-year period in an urban, public hospital setting. The object of the study was to determine if the established risk factors for coronary heart disease--hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, low socioeconomic status (as reflected by occupational class and educational level), marital status, and obesity were associated with coronary heart disease in a black population. The established risk factors were found to be significant in this patient population, as was obesity. Being divorced or separated was a risk factor for women but not for men.