Graphical models for panel studies, illustrated on data from the Framingham Heart Study.

Recursive graphical models allow description of the simultaneous development of several (discrete) characteristics such as are recorded in a panel study. Irreversible events (death, irreversible disease occurrence) between exams are naturally included. This paper reviews these models and gives a detailed discussion of an example consisting of 49-50 year old males from the Framingham Heart study. The program DIGRAM is used throughout and the present paper may also serve as an introduction to this software.