First Advisor

Gary R. Brodowicz

Date of Publication

9-19-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Health Studies

Department

Community Health

Language

English

Subjects

Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Risk factors -- Japan, Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Risk factors -- United States, Japanese Americans -- Diseases, Plethysmography

DOI

10.15760/etd.7244

Physical Description

1 online resource, (72 p.)

Abstract

This research examined potential differences in cardiovascular disease risk (CVR) in two groups: Japanese Natives living in Saga, Japan and Japanese Americans living in or near Portland, Oregon. It explored data gathered in an effort to build a theoretical framework for future studies. Environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle differences were also examined to compare the health status of Japanese residents in the two countries. The history of Japan from World War II to present, and the history of Japanese Americans both first and second generation, are discussed in the literature review.

Accelerated plethysmography (APG) is a technique which presumably allows the early detection of circulatory insufficiency. It is designed to measure the pattern of blood flow in the index finger. This method is used to evaluate the peripheral circulation by classifying the APG waveforms into seven major patterns. Based on this classification, the APG might evaluate health status regarding cardiovascular disease risk (CVR). This investigation also compared the data gathered by the technique of the APG with cardiovascular disease risk questionnaires in order to examine the efficacy of using the APG to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk.

The comparison ofhealth status in the two groups revealed several differences: Japanese American males are heavier than Japanese Native males and both Japanese American males and females take more prescription medications, and have better exercise habits than Japanese Natives. These differences could account for the higher APG-index in Japanese Americans. However, this research found that despite these differences, there was no correlation between the APG-indices and CVR factors. Further research is needed to determine whether the APG-index can be useful in the study of cardiovascular disease risk.

Rights

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30825

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