Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Cardiometabolic Health in Asian American Children
Julian Sethna1, Kristal Wong2, Kevin Meyers3
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard South 34Th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Insights
Asian American children have lower obesity rates but worse cardiometabolic health, including glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia, compared to NHW children. US-born Asian American children exhibit poorer cardiometabolic profiles than foreign-born peers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Cardiometabolic Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Comparing cardiometabolic health between Asian American and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children.
- Examining cardiometabolic health differences among Asian American children based on birthplace (US-born vs. foreign-born).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate disparities in cardiometabolic health between Asian American and NHW children.
- To assess how birthplace influences cardiometabolic health within the Asian American pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011-2018) for children aged 6-17.
- Inclusion of self-identified non-Hispanic Asian and NHW children.
- Regression models adjusted for covariates including BMI z-score, socioeconomic factors, and environmental exposures.
Main Results:
- Asian American children showed lower BMI z-scores and obesity odds but higher HOMA-IR, dyslipidemia, and microalbuminuria than NHW children.
- US-born Asian American children had elevated non-HDL, triglycerides, and uric acid, and lower HDL and hyperfiltration odds compared to foreign-born Asian American children.
- No significant differences in blood pressure were observed based on race or birthplace.
Conclusions:
- Despite lower obesity rates, Asian American children face higher risks for glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and microalbuminuria compared to NHW children.
- Birthplace is a significant factor, with US-born Asian American children presenting a less favorable cardiometabolic health profile than their foreign-born counterparts.
Background:
The aim was to compare cardiometabolic health between Asian American children and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children as well as to compare cardiometabolic health among Asian American children by birthplace.
Methods:
Children aged 6-17 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 who self-identified as non-Hispanic Asian and NHW were included. Among Asian Americans, place of birth was defined as foreign born vs United States (US) born. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, household income, food insecurity, passive smoke exposure, and body mass index (BMI) z-score.
Results:
Among 3369 children, 8.4% identified as Asian American (age 11.7 years) and 91.6% identified as NHW (age 11.7 years). Compared to NHW children, Asian American children had significantly lower BMI z-scores and odds of obesity. Asian American children had higher HOMA-IR, and greater odds of dyslipidemia and microalbuminuria compared to NHW children. Among Asian Americans, 30.5% were foreign born. Compared to foreign-born Asian American children, US-born Asian American children had significantly higher non-HDL, triglycerides, and uric acid, lower HDL, and lower odds of hyperfiltration. There were no differences in blood pressure by racial group or place of birth.
Conclusions:
Although Asian American children have lower odds of obesity, they have significantly worse glucose intolerance, more dyslipidemia, and more microalbuminuria compared to NHW children. US-born Asian American children have worse cardiometabolic health profiles compared to foreign-born Asian Americans.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
01:24Obesity
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...