Inequalities in risk factors and cardiovascular mortality among Australia's immigrants

Inequalities in biomedical and life-style risk factors for cardiovascular disease were examined for 6,116 immigrants to Australia and 14,941 people born in Australia, using data collected in the 1980, 1983 and 1989 risk-factor prevalence surveys. After adjusting for age and study design, significant differences were identified between immigrant groups and the Australian-born reference group, particularly for systolic blood pressure, overall obesity and behavioural risk factors. There were few substantial differences in blood lipid concentrations and little evidence to suggest that total plasma cholesterol has played a major role in lower cardiovascular mortality among immigrants. Overall, the results suggested that profiles of risk factors commonly accepted as determinants of cardiovascular disease are an insufficient explanation of the lower standardised mortality ratios from cardiovascular disease which characterise immigrants in Australia. Systolic blood pressure best explained variation in cardiovascular mortality among male immigrants, and smoking prevalence among female immigrants. The acculturation process affected immigrant groups differently. Generally, systolic blood pressure increased with period in Australia. Body mass index increased among Asian immigrants, as did participation in physical activity during leisure time.