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Height-weight tables.

G G Harrison
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Abstract

The concept of "desirable" weight derives from analyses of data in which relative body weight is correlated with mortality experience. "Ideal" or lowest-risk weights vary for different populations, and vary for the same population at different times and in relation to different causes of mortality. An ideal weight cannot be identified at a point in time for a person or persons differing from the groups on which desirable-weight tables were based. This fact, plus the limitations of existing tables and databases, has prompted some observers to suggest abandoning the concept of ideal weight. The recent publication of updated data for the U.S. population and updated height-weight tables based on actuarial data have focused attention on this issue. In addition, several studies have attempted to relate body weight to mortality in defined populations. At the same time, some studies have found significant relationships between overweight and mortality whereas others have not.

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Actuarial AnalysisAdolescentAdultAgedBody HeightBody WeightFemaleHealth SurveysHumansMaleMiddle AgedMortalityObesityReference StandardsUnited StatesJournal Article

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BibTeXRIS

G G Harrison. 1985. Height-weight tables.. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-103-6-989

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Influence of the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator on sudden death and total mortality in patients evaluated for cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) may reduce sudden tachyarrhythmic death in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. It is uncertain whether this improves survival, particularly in patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of treatment for spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias (ICD [n = 59], antiarrhythmic drugs [n = 53], or no antiarrhythmic treatment [n = 179]) on total mortality and mode of cardiac death was analyzed in 291 consecutive patients evaluated for cardiac transplantation between January 1986 and January 1995. There were 109 deaths (37.4%) (63 [21.6%] sudden, 40 [13.7%] nonsudden, and 6 [2.1%] noncardiac) during mean follow-up of 15 months (range, 1 to 118 months). Baseline clinical variables, medical therapies for heart failure, and actuarial rates of transplantation were similar between treatment groups. Kaplan-Meier sudden death rates were lowest in the ICD group, intermediate in the no antiarrhythmic treatment group, and highest in the drug treatment group throughout follow-up (12-month sudden death rates, 9.2%, 16.0%, and 34.7%, respectively; P = .004). Total mortality and nonsudden death rates did not differ. Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that antiarrhythmic drug treatment was associated with sudden death (relative risk, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.39; P = .04) and ICD was associated with nonsudden death (relative risk, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.62; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Sudden death rates were lowest in patients treated with ICDs compared with drug treatment or no antiarrhythmic treatment. However, although ICDs reduced sudden death in selected high-risk patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, the effect on long-term survival was limited, principally by high nonsudden death rates.

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