title: Cardiovascular knowledge among urban American Indians and Alaska Natives: first steps in addressing cardiovascular health.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Given limited access to health care, urban AI/ANs may be at particular risk. Lack of available data, however, limits our understanding of cardiovascular health in this population.
  
  
  
  We conducted a survey to characterize CVD-related knowledge, behavior, and risk of urban AI/ANs. Results related to knowledge are reported.
  
  
  
  In collaboration with the Indian clinics in two urban communities, we surveyed 298 AI/ANs.
  
  
  
  Respondents recognized approximately half of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke, and were significantly less likely to recognize each symptom than reported in national studies using the same items. General CVD knowledge (e.g., risks of high blood pressure) was stronger, although areas for improvement were noted.
  
  
  
  Urban AI/ANs would benefit from efforts to enhance CVD knowledge. These preliminary data are providing the foundation for community-based efforts to address CVD risk among urban AI/ANs.
authors.affiliation: Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Corolado Denver, USA.
authors.forename: Angela G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Brega
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Noe
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loudhawk-Hedgepeth
authors.forename: Dakotah M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Jim
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Spero M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Manson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000413:Alaska / Q000208:ethnology; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004930:Inuit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
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