CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE RISK-FACTORS IN NATIVE-AMERICANS - A LITERATURE-REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. CVD risk factors (diabetes, hype rtension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and sedentary lifest yle) have been studied in a number of Native American tribes, and such studies are increasing as the CVD mortality rate rises. This article reviews the literature between 1980 and 1991 concerning the prevalence of CVD risk factors in this population. In addition to summarizing th e data, we describe limitations inherent in comparison and address the need for standardization of methodology in future studies.