An Epidemiological Study of a Defined Area of N. Ireland: Serum Zn and Cu

Abstract

The MONICA Project is a WHO coordinated 10 year study of trends and determinants of cardiovascular events. Our study area comprises Belfast, Castlereagh, North Down and Ards Health Districts of Northern Ireland with a total population of 499,111 and a target population aged 25–64 years of 223,575. About 65% are city dwellers, the remainder living in small country towns and scattered farms. For the first random population screening which took place from October 1983 to September 1984 clinics were held throughout the day in local health centres and willing subjects were invited to attend at a time which suited them. The overall response rate was 70%. Blood was collected from 2,327 non fasting subjects. In addition to the assessment of serum cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking habits, we are measuring serum levels of Zn and Cu. The data, excluding any from women who are pregnant, is subjected to analysis of variance and the Newman-Keuls multiple range procedure. A p value of 5% or less is used to determine statistical significance.