Recent studies have highlighted that distinct variations exist in cardiovascular risk factors among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, despite these groups often being improperly combined into a single category in research. This announcement came from findings showcased at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in New Orleans and emphasized the need for individualized attention to these groups.
Lead researcher Rishi V. Parikh, from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, pointed out that merging the data for these groups conceals critical differences in risk factor prevalence and disease burden. He highlighted that prior studies are limited due to small sample sizes and exclusion of certain subgroups, as well as a lack of comprehensive long-term data. Past research has already shown that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults in the U.S. have a higher mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease compared to non-Hispanic white individuals.
The recent PANACHE study delves into health records of over 2.6 million adults from 2012 to 2022, specifically focusing on populations within California and Hawaii. Approximately 677,500 participants were from Asian subgroups such as Chinese, Filipino, Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Researchers assessed the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, namely high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and smoking habits, comparing them against data from nearly 2 million non-Hispanic white adults.
The study found that diabetes and high cholesterol rates were generally higher among all AANHPI subgroups when compared to non-Hispanic white adults, though smoking was less prevalent except among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adults. There were pronounced differences, with blood pressure rates differing from 12% in Chinese adults to 30% in Filipino adults, and cholesterol rates also varying greatly. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes was lowest among Chinese adults but higher in Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations.
Obesity also showed a broad range, from just 11% among Vietnamese adults to a considerable 41% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adults. The latter group also exhibited the highest estimated risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event within 10 years. Dr. Alan S. Go, another contributing author, stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of these risk factors to facilitate early detection and prevention efforts within these groups.
Go suggested that subsequent steps for the PANACHE study should include surveys that gather data on factors not typically captured in health records, such as immigration status, generational factors, and socio-economic statuses which could shed light on unique health challenges faced by these subgroups. Understanding these disparities could drive the development of strategic, culturally sensitive prevention programs tailored to the needs of these communities.
Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, who wasn’t directly involved in the study but whose work on cardiovascular risk methodologies was highlighted, emphasized that these findings amplify the understanding that Asian Americans encompass a broad and varied demographic. The research therefore needs to appropriately reflect this diversity to support improved cardiovascular health nationwide.
