What is the OR between MI and severe vertex baldness in (i) men ‰¤60 and (ii) men >60? If these are the true ORs, is age an effect modifier of the association between baldness and MI? Why or why not?

Cardiovascular Disease

A study was performed relating baldness pattern to MI (heart attack) among men in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study [49]. Baldness pattern and prevalent MI were determined at the same examination during the period 1996ˆ’1998. Baldness was categorized into 5 categories (none/frontal/mild vertex/moderate vertex/severe vertex). For this example, we focus on the comparison of severe vertex baldness to no baldness. The data in Table 13.57 were reported by age group.

Table 13.57 Association between severe vertex baldness and MI in the ARIC study

 

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Total Age group Baldness MI No MI < 60 years Severe vertex 280 49 329 None 71 639 710 Total 120 919 1039 > 60 years Severe vertex 131 656 787 None 144 782 926 Total 275 1438 1713