Comparison of modifiable coronary artery disease risk factors between urban black and white females

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of the following
coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in urban (westernised) Black and White
females: physical inactivity, hypertension, cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolaemia,
obesity and multiple risk factors. Subjects: Subjects for this study were 62 Black
females, paired for age (18-49, Mean = 32.5 years) with 62 White females. Results:
Black females (72.6%) were more inactive than White females (51.6%). The mean
Physical Work Capacity¹⁷⁰ (PWC¹⁷⁰) for the Black females (107.8 ± 33.0 W) was
significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of White females (129.1 ± 24.2 W). Black
females (11.6%) had a higher incidence of mild to moderate systolic hypertension
(140-179 mmHg) than White females (6.4%). Fewer Black females (3.2%) smoked
cigarettes than White females (21%). White females (high risk = 25%) were clearly
at far greater risk than Black females (high risk = 0%) with regards to CAD
associated with high cholesterol levels. Black females (60.3%) were more obese (fat
≥30%) than White females (27.4%). Mean BMI of Black females (30.2 ±6.8) was
significantly higher than for White females (24.0 ±4.7). White females with 22.6% of
individuals displaying three or more risk factors as against the Black female's 14.5%
are at greater risk for CAD. Conclusion: White females have a significantly higher
risk for CAD than westernised Black females, but there are indications that Black
females are closing the gap.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease risk factors; Urban White females; Urban Black
females; Modifiable CAD risk factors.

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation Vol. 29 (1) 2007: pp. 53-61