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Heart disease in native Americans
J S Alpert1, R Goldberg, I S Ockene
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of death for Native Americans, with rising rates of ischemic heart disease due to lifestyle changes. Hypertension and fetal alcohol syndrome also pose serious threats, highlighting the need for more research and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiology
- Native American Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality among Native Americans.
- Western acculturation is linked to increasing rates of ischemic heart disease in this population.
- Hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, and cardiac malformations from fetal alcohol syndrome are significant concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of cardiovascular disease in Native American populations.
- To identify prevalent cardiovascular conditions and risk factors.
- To underscore the need for increased research and clinical attention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on cardiovascular disease in Native Americans.
- Analysis of trends in specific cardiovascular conditions.
- Assessment of risk factors associated with lifestyle changes and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Ischemic heart disease is increasing due to Westernized lifestyles (diet, smoking, inactivity).
- Hypertension is prevalent but often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Rheumatic heart disease is declining, but fetal alcohol syndrome-related cardiac defects remain common.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular disease presents a complex challenge for Native American health.
- Addressing lifestyle factors, improving hypertension management, and preventing fetal alcohol syndrome are critical.
- Further research is essential to develop targeted interventions and improve health outcomes.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death among native Americans. Ischemic heart disease has been relatively uncommon in the past, but this entity is rapidly becoming more frequent among Indians as a result of Western acculturation (Western high-fat diet, smoking, sedentary lifestyle). Hypertension remains a major problem in native American populations. Hypertension is often inadequately detected and treated in Indians. Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are moderately common and apparently in decline among native Americans. Finally, the fetal alcohol syndrome with its accompanying cardiac malformations is all too common among North American Indians. The amount of information available concerning cardiovascular disease in native Americans is rather small. Considerably more attention should be paid to this area in the future.