Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in Montana American Indians and non-Indians

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both American Indian and non-Indian adults. Few published studies have comp ared the prevalence of CVD and related risk factors in Indians to that in n on-Indians in the same geographic area. Objective: To compare CVD and risk factors in American Indian and non-India n populations in Montana. Methods: Adult American Indians (n=1000) living on or near Montana's seven reservations and non-Indian (n=905) Montanans statewide were interviewed th rough the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Results: Indians aged greater than or equal to 45 years reported a signific antly higher prevalence of CVD compared to non-Indians (18% vs 10%). In per sons aged 18-44 years, Indians were more likely to report hypertension (15% vs 10%), obesity (29% vs 12%), and smoking (42% vs 24%) compared to non-In dians. For persons aged greater than or equal to 45 years, Indians reported higher rates of diabetes (24% vs 9%), obesity (38% vs 16%), and smoking (3 2% vs 13%) compared to non-Indians. Non-Indians aged greater than or equal to 45 years reported having been diagnosed with high cholesterol more frequ ently than did Indians (32% ts 24%). Conclusions: Both Indians and non-Indians in Montana reported a substantial burden of CVD. The CVD risk patterns differ in the two populations. Preven tion programs should he tailored to the risk burdens in these communities w ith particular emphasis on smoking cessation and the prevention of obesity.