Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among American Indians in Montana.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among American Indians. The objective of this study was to assess trends in CVD and CVD risk factors among American Indians in Montana.


METHODS
In 1999 and 2003, 1000 American Indian adults aged > or =18 years living on or near the seven reservations in Montana were interviewed each year using an adapted Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System survey.


RESULTS
During the 5-year period from 1999 to 2003, the prevalence of CVD risk factors increased significantly: diabetes (12% to 16%), high blood pressure (26% to 34%), high cholesterol (23% to 30%), and obesity (34% to 39%). The percentage reporting current smoking was stable and remained high (38% to 36%). After adjusting for age and gender, the increases in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity remained significant. The percentage reporting two or more CVD risk factors increased significantly overall, among men and women, and among older and younger respondents during the 5-year time period.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of CVD risk factors among American Indian adults in Montana is high, and for many of the risk factors, has increased significantly over a 5-year period.
Oser
Carrie S
CS
Cardiovascular Health and Diabetes Section, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT 59620-2951, USA.
Harwell
Todd S
TS
Strasheim
Carol
C
Fogle
Crystelle
C
Blades
Lynda L
LL
Dennis
Terry D
TD
Johnson
Elizabeth A
EA
Gohdes
Dorothy
D
Helgerson
Steven D
SD
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007198:Indians, North American; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009009:Montana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects