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How do I interpret Missing BMI as a risk factor. In the ML: Neural Networks run BMI Missing was considered a top 10 risk factor. The body text said this about BMI Missing: "This study suggests that missing values, in particular, for routine biometric variables such as BMI, are independent predictors of CVD."

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around this concept.

Thanks

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This could be a signal that people who don't visit the doctor often are more likely to develop CVD. It makes sense—if caught early, risk factors like high BMI, high blood pressure, and high LDL cholesterol can be treated and thereby prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Or it's selection bias from people who don't normally go to the doctor mostly going when there's a problem.

The people who don't go to the doctor because they feel fine aren't included in the study.

In our ICU data we found that missing fields also predicted worse outcomes. My theory is that in sicker patients nurses are less worried about collecting all the data. But who knows.

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