Cardiovascular risk factors among Asian Americans

MANY ASIANS HAVE RECENTLY IMMIGRATED to the United States, but there have been few studies of cardiovascular risk factors in these groups. Researchers analyzed data from 13,031 people who described themselves as Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and other Asians, and used regression analyses controlled for age, alcohol use, education, and marital status. Adjusted mean body mass index and smoking prevalence were lowest in Chinese men and women. Adjusted total cholesterol levels were highest in Japanese men and women. Hypertension prevalence was highest in Filipino men and women. Comparisons of Asians born outside the United States with those U.S.-born showed 1) no major cholesterol differences; 2) higher body mass index in U.S.-born men, but not in women of most races; 3) more hypertension only in U.S.-born Chinese men; and 4) a lower smoking prevalence in U.S.-born men but generally higher smoking prevalence in U.S.-born women. These data show important ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk factors among Asian Americans and have implications for targeting public health efforts.