Asian Americans face higher odds of cardiovascular risk factors due to social determinants like unemployment and lack of education, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The University of Washington study found that unfavorable social factors were associated with a 14% higher chance of high blood pressure, 17% higher odds of unhealthy sleep, and 24% higher odds of type 2 diabetes among Asian Americans.
“Despite the perception that Asian Americans may be less impacted by social determinants of health compared to other racial and ethnic groups, our findings indicate unfavorable social factors are associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian American groups,” said lead author Dr. Eugene Yang from the University of Washington School of Medicine.
The study surveyed nearly 6,400 Asians, including approximately equal numbers of Filipinos, Asian Indians, and Chinese. Key findings revealed varying risks among subgroups:
– Chinese participants showed a 45% greater likelihood of type 2 diabetes and 56% higher chance of nicotine exposure.
– Filipinos had a 28% greater likelihood of high blood pressure and 50% higher risk of nicotine exposure.
– Asian Indians were 20% more likely to report insufficient sleep.
Dr. Yang noted that South Asians are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than East Asians. Death certificate data indicated that Asian Indian women and men had the highest mortality rates from ischemic heart disease compared to other Asian subgroups.
The research highlights the importance of considering social determinants when assessing cardiovascular health risks among Asian American populations.
See “These factors increase risks of heart disease in Asians” (April 3, 2024)
