Ischemic heart disease mortality in Iowa farmers. The influence of life-style
P. R. Pomrehn, R. B. Wallace and L. F. Burmeister
Analysis of 62,000 deaths in Iowa men aged 20 to 64 years from 1964 to 1978
indicates that Iowa farm men younger than 65 years have lower than expected
mortality for all causes and for ischemic heart disease. Using data
gathered by the Iowa Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) Program Prevalence Study,
we compared levels of known cardiovascular risk factors in farmers with
those of nonfarmers residing in the same rural county. Farm men smoked less
frequently (19% v 44%) and engaged in exercise more frequently (83% v 40%)
than nonfarmers. Treadmill performance in farm men indicates a higher level
of fitness in farmers. Farm people consumed more total calories and
cholesterol, but drank less alcohol than nonfarmers. Farm men had
significantly higher serum cholesterol levels. High-density lipoprotein
cholesterol levels were also higher in farmers. However, when adjusted for
age and exercise status, farmers and nonfarmers had similar lipid levels.
The results of the LRC survey suggest that the lower mortality rates of
Iowa farmers are a reflection of a life-style that includes vigorous
exercise and little consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
