Understanding the Development of Behavior Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Youth: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Lifestyle behaviors, societal structure and process, as well as psychological functioning are critical for a comprehensive understanding of the development, progression, and potential interventions for cardiovascular disease in children and young adults. Several behavior factors emerge as mediators of pathogenesis, either alone or in interaction with biologic processes as major contributors. In the Bogalusa Heart Study, four of these behaviors are identified that relate either directly or indirectly to the development of cardiovascular disease. They are tobacco, alcohol, oral contraceptive (OC) use, and type A behavior pattern. Limitation of space allows for only a brief review of previous work. The purpose of this report is to give a general overview of the research questions, methodology, measurements, and analysis of some of these behaviors. Because the Bogalusa Heart Study has a cross-sectional and longitudinal design, the study of the influence of lifestyle factors on the development of heart disease from early childhood remains a work in progress. A full understanding of the development of heart disease from childhood so that effective interventions can be designed remains elusive.