Work Activity of Longshoremen as Related to Death from Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke

In a 16-year follow-up study after multiphasic screening, 291 of 3263 longshoremen died of coronary disease, and 67 of stroke. Men with more sedentary jobs expended 925 fewer calories per work day and sustained coronary death rates one third higher than those among cargo handlers. Rate differences were largest at youngest ages and decreased steadily thereafter. Yet heavier cigarette smoking and higher systolic blood pressure had stronger influences in coronary mortality than sedentary work activity or heavier weight for height. Cargo handlers sustained death rates from stroke similar to those of more sedentary longshoremen. Mortality from stroke, however, was three times higher among men with higher levels of systolic blood pressure than among those with lower levels. Physical activity thus may have a more striking influence on myocardial infarction than on atherosclerosis.