Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in three Alaskan Eskimo populations: The Alaska-Siberia project
Ebbesson SOE, Adler AI, Risica PM, Ebbesson LOE, Yeh J-L, Go OT, Doolittle W, Ehlert G, Swenson M, Robbins DC

 

ABSTRACT [full text] [back to issue 64(4)]

 

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of CVD and to identify and characterize associated risk factors in three distinct Eskimo populations.

Study Design. Cross-sectional.

Methods. A slightly modified Strong Heart Study protocol was followed to examine 454 participants, aged 25-91, from four villages.

Results. Overall, 6% of the participants under 55 years of age and 26% of those ≥ 55 years of age showed evidence of CHD by ECG, or in patient records. The prevalence of “definite coronary heart disease” (CHD) in women with glucose intolerance (GI) was 21.0%, compared to 2.4% in those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Men had comparable values of 26.7% and 6.3%. In addition, comparable values for “possible CHD” were 29.7% vs 6.0% for women and 21.4% vs 8.0% for men. GI was associated with relatively higher prevalences of CHD in women than in men (prevalence ratio = 8.5 vs 4.3). CHD was significantly related to age, glucose intolerance and insulin. Hypertension and obesity were significantly associated with CHD only in some ethnic groups. The prevalence of current smokers was 56%.

Conclusions. Recent changes in lifestyle and diet of Alaskan Eskimos, leading to obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance and DM, contribute to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
(Int J Circumpolar Health 2005; 64(4):365-386.)

Keywords: diabetes, insulin, omega-3 fatty acids, stroke, Inuit, prevalence