CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS IN INUIT OF GREENLAND

Background. Mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and prevalenc e of coronary arteriosclerosis are low in Inuit of Greenland (Greenlan ders). Aetiological considerations have so far focused mostly on diet and blood lipids, The present study is a comprehensive analysis of beh avioural, clinical and serological cardiovascular risk factors for IHD in Greenlanders. Methods. An interview survey from West Greenland (n = 1436) was supplemented with clinical measurements and blood sampling in selected towns and villages (n = 264). Results. The average consum ption of marine mammals and fish was 28 meals per month. In Greenland 14% of males and 30% of females were physically inactive compared with 14% and 17% in the general population of Denmark; 79% were current sm okers and 22% smoked 15+ cigarettes per day compared with 42% and 21% in Denmark. High density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was 1.6 mmol/ l in Greenland (1.1 in Denmark) and triglyceride concentration 1.0 mmo l/l (1.5). Obesity, blood pressure and total cholesterol were similar in Greenland and Denmark. There were significant differences between G reenlanders with a predominantly traditional childhood and those with a more westernized childhood with regard to diet, physical activity (i n women) and blood lipids. Conclusions. In spite of an increased weste rnization of the Greenlanders' lifestyle and a high prevalence of seve ral cardiovascular risk factors, mortality from IHD is still low. The change in risk factor patterns is, however, recent and an increased IH D mortality is still to be expected. Preventive measures should be ini tiated to reduce risk factors but they must take into consideration po ssible negative consequences of e.g. traditional outdoor activities an d the consumption of marine mammals.