Cardiovascular disease prevalence and its relation to risk factors in Alaska Eskimos.
OBJECTIVE
Although Eskimos were thought to be protected from cardiovascular disease (CVD), state health data show a large proportion of deaths from CVD, despite traditional lifestyles and high omega-3 fatty acid intake. This article explores CVD prevalence and its relation to risk factors in Alaska Eskimos.


RESULTS
A population-based cohort of 499 Alaska Eskimos > age 45 from the Norton Sound region was examined in 2000-2004 for CVD and associated risk factors as part of the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives study. CVD and atherosclerosis were evaluated and adjudicated using standardized methods. Average age was 58 years; diabetes prevalence was low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were high, but a large proportion smoked and had high pathogen burden. CVD was higher in men (12.6%) than in women (5.3%) (prevalence ratio 2.4, CI 1.3-4.4). Rates of stroke (6.1% in men, 1.8% in women) were similar to those for coronary heart disease (CHD) (6.1% men, 2.5% women). MI prevalence was low in both genders (1.9% and 0.7%). CVD was higher in men and in those >60 years. Hypertension, diabetes, high LDL-C, high apoB, and low HDL-C were all strong correlates (<.002) and albuminuria and CRP were also correlated with CVD (p<.05) after adjustment for age and gender. Carotid atherosclerosis was correlated with CVD (p=.0079) independent of other risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show high CHD and stroke prevalence in Alaska Eskimos, despite low average LDL-C and high HDL-C. Hypertension and high LDL-C were independent correlates; identifying these risk factors early and treating to target is recommended.
MedStar Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, USA. barbara.v.howard@medstar.net <barbara.v.howard@medstar.net>
Barbara V
BV
Howard
Anthony
A
Comuzzie
Richard B
RB
Devereux
Sven O E
SO
Ebbesson
Richard R
RR
Fabsitz
Wm James
WJ
Howard
Sandra
S
Laston
Jean W
JW
MacCluer
Angela
A
Silverman
Jason G
JG
Umans
Hong
H
Wang
Neil J
NJ
Weissman
Charlotte R
CR
Wenger
D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3