Blood pressure and serum lipid levels in Chilean aboriginal populations (Mapuche) living in the Chilean region of Araucania

Background: Chilean aboriginal populations (Mapuche) predominantly live in the region of Araucania, in the southern part of the country. Their cardiov ascular risk factors have not been systemically assessed. Aim; To study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the Mapuche population. Subje cts and methods: Blood pressure, weight, height, dietary habits, fasting se rum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in 1 .948 adults living in 28 Mapuche communities. Results: Thirteen percent of males and 16% of females had high blood pressure. Body mass index was 25.5 kg/m(2) in males and 28.1 kg/m(2) in females. Forty five percent of women a nd 24% of men were classified as obese. Mean serum total cholesterol was 18 6.7+/-9.6 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol was 58.7+/-30.7 mg/dl, total cholesterol/H DL cholsesterol was 3.4+/-2 and triglycerides were 155+/-91.2 mg/dl. Twenty eight percent of males and 9.6% of females smoked. Conclusions: Mapuche in dividuals have higher levels of HDL cholesterol, a better total cholesterol /HDL cholesterol ratio and lower frequency of smoking than non aboriginal C hileans subjects.