One size does not fit all: Cardiovascular health disparities as a function of ethnicity in Asian-American women

Objective: Although few studies have examined cardiovascular disease in Asian-American subgroups separately, limited data in Asian Americans strongly suggest that some subgroups are at increased risk. The present study examined modifiable cardiovascular risk factor profiles as a function of Asian ethnicity. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional pilot study recruited Asian-American women (. N=. 147) in northeast Florida including Cambodians (. n=. 39), Chinese (. n=. 36), Filipinos (. n=. 49), and Vietnamese (. n=. 23). Risk factors included blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference and blood lipids. Results: Filipino participants (41%) had ≥4 risk factors compared to 21% Cambodian, 13% Vietnamese and 0% Chinese. The Chinese had significantly more participants (44%) with the absence of CVD risk factors compared to all other subgroups. Obesity rate (18%), mean BMI: 26±5kg/m2 and mean triglycerides (173±103mg/dL) were highest in Filipinas (n=49). The Chinese (n=36) had a low rate (4%) of obesity with a mean BMI of 23±3kg/m2 and the least risk factors along with the lowest triglycerides (88±44mg/dL). Cambodians (n=39; BMI of 24±3kg/m2) and Vietnamese (n=23; BMI: 22±3kg/m2) had low rates of obesity with comparable rates of unhealthy lipids and hypertension as the Filipinas. Conclusions: Modifiable CVD risk factor profiles significantly differed as a function of ethnicity supporting the premise that Asian-American women cannot be categorized as one group and the traditional one size fits all prevention or treatment of CVD risk factors should be re-considered