Some factors influencing the development of atherosclerosis: A survey in Jamaica, West Indies

ABSTRACT

Using a quantitative method of assay the degree of atherosclerosis of the aorta, coronary arteries and cerebral arteries has been determined in a large, predominantly Negro, autopsy series in Jamaica, West Indies. There is a progressive worsening of the disease with age but there are considerable individual variations at all ages. The aorta, coronary and cerebral arteries are affected in that order in time and severity. Atherosclerosis is generally more severe in men and hypertension accentuates the disease, especially in women after the menopause. Hypertension is more important than atherosclerosis in causing cerebrovascular disease in Jamaica. Diabetes alone does not seem to influence adversely the development of atherosclerosis except in combination with hypertension. Evidence for the effect of malignant disease was inconclusive. Severe degrees of atherosclerosis are encountered in the Jamaican Negro but the supposed complications are relatively uncommon. This supports the view that factors other than initial disease, principally those connected with thrombosis, are concerned in the pathogenesis of ischaemic vascular disease. (AU)