Morbidity and Mortality Surveilance SHS

Medical Records for 1200 Strong Heart Study cohort were reviewed on two separate occasions for cardiovascular events during a period of time from 1996 through August of 1999, and copies were made of records describing cardiovascular disease events. Pertinent parts of medical records of cohort members who died were copied regardless of cause of death. Participant charts were located in IHS, VA, and private hospitals in a 600-mile radius and by mail in areas outside of this radius. Personal interviews of next of kin were conducted on all participants with unobserved deaths. Staff for this project included one RN, one recruiter, one student, and one RN applicant, of which three are tribal members.