Cardiovascular disease risk factors in an Indochinese population

One hundred seventeen Indochinese adults were screened for heart disease risk factors at a San Diego community health facility during December 1986. Two levels of excess risk, moderate-high and high, were categorically defined for blood pressure, total cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and obesity. Overall, 61% were at moderate-high or high risk in at least one category, and 34% were at high risk by these criteria. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol were positively correlated to age, and ethnicity was a significant covariate for cholesterol, body mass index, and cigarette smoking. The Hmong, compared with other Indochinese, had a significantly lower mean cholesterol level, which remained after adjusting for age and body mass. High rates of cigarette smoking were found among Vietnamese men and young Indochinese men. If confirmed, the high prevalence of heart disease risk factors in Indochinese refugees and immigrants suggests that cardiovascular health education programs are appropriate in Indochinese communities.