Epidemiology and pathology of coronary artery disease: I. Method of study

Abstract

This is the first of a series of reports regarding an epidemiologic and pathologic study of coronary artery atherosclerosis. The reasons for inaugurating the study are described, together with the design and procedures found appropriate for its operation. Among consecutively autopsied patients who died of any cause, a quantitative estimate of coronary artery atherosclerosis has been made, and, by interviewing a close relative of each patient, information has been obtained about certain of his patterns of behavior or exposure during life. Relationships between degree of atherosclerosis and frequency or intensity of these activities or exposures during life are being examined within this population. During a 4-year period, 1,296 individuals examined post mortem have been so studied. Preliminary analysis of the relationship between thickening of the wall of the coronary arteries and the occurrence of myocardial infarction indicates a close association between these two, thus justifying the use of atherosclerosis as a crucial measure of coronary heart disease.