Trends in Cardiovascular Disease by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Ethnicity, Medicare Health Outcomes Survey 2011-2015.

BACKGROUND

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing in the aging population. However, little is known about CVD risk factors and outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander (NH/PI) older adults by disaggregated subgroups.

METHODS

Data were from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2011-2015 Health Outcomes Survey, which started collecting expanded racial/ethnic data in 2011. Guided by Andersen and Newman's theoretical framework, multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the prevalence and determinants of CVD risk factors (obesity, diabetes, smoking status, hypertension) and CVD conditions (coronary artery disease [CAD], congestive heart failure [CHF], myocardial infarction [MI], other heart conditions, stroke) for 10 Asian American and NH/PI subgroups and White adults.

RESULTS

Among the 639 862 respondents, including 26 853 Asian American and 4 926 NH/PI adults, 13% reported CAD, 7% reported CHF, 10% reported MI, 22% reported other heart conditions, and 7% reported stroke. CVD risk factors varied by Asian American and NH/PI subgroup. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension was higher among most Asian American and NH/PI subgroups than White adults. After adjustment, Native Hawaiians had significantly greater odds of reporting stroke than White adults.

CONCLUSIONS

More attention should focus on NH/PIs as a priority population based on the disproportionate burden of CVD risk factors compared with their White and Asian American counterparts. Future research should disaggregate racial/ethnic data to provide accurate depictions of CVD and investigate the development of CVD risk factors in Asian Americans and NH/PIs over the life course.