A recent study has revealed that the risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese American immigrants rises with the duration of their stay in the United States and varies by location.
A new study led by UCLA has discovered that cardiovascular disease risk among Chinese American immigrants increases with the length of their residence and changes depending on where they live in the U.S. This research utilized data from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) cohort, which is backed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It monitored the heart health of 746 Chinese Americans living in both Los Angeles and Chicago over a span of nearly 18 years. The findings indicated that participants residing in Chicago had lower heart disease mortality rates compared to those living in Los Angeles.
“This is the first prospective long-term study in nearly 20 years to explore how immigration influences cardiovascular health among Chinese American immigrants, a group that is often overlooked in cardiovascular research,” stated Dr. Xinjiang Cai, a cardiologist and physician-scientist at UCLA Health, who is the study’s lead author. The results were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
“The geographical disparities in mortality rates among this community particularly surprised us, highlighting the inequalities in heart health care and outcomes that frequently arise from cultural and language barriers, individual health behaviors, unique environmental risks, and social determinants of health.”
Dr. Cai also noted that specific characteristics of each state, such as demographic variations, differences in death rates, and life expectancy, may influence the health of immigrants. “Tackling cardiovascular health disparities among Chinese Americans, especially in Los Angeles, is not merely a question of fairness; it is a vital step toward fostering healthier communities for everyone,” emphasized Dr. E. Dale Abel, chair of the medicine department at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
The research indicated that traditional markers, typically used to predict cardiovascular disease, were not necessarily the most accurate for Chinese American immigrants. “The standard markers for cardiovascular disease, including high-sensitive troponin levels and left ventricular ejection fraction, proved to be less effective in this demographic,” explained Cai. Instead, predictive markers for this group included N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide, left ventricular mass, and coronary artery calcium scores.
Dr. Cai acknowledged that the study has some limitations. For instance, the Chinese participants in the MESA cohort, averaging around 62 years in age and without preexisting heart disease, are likely to be healthier than the overall Chinese American population in the U.S. He emphasized the need for additional research to gain a better understanding of the broader Chinese American community.
“In evaluating cardiovascular risk among Asian Americans, a universal approach isn’t effective. Therefore, studies that can identify specific risks and underlying mechanisms for distinct groups within the Asian American population are essential for addressing disparities in cardiovascular disease prevalence and mortality,” stated Dr. Priscilla Hsue, chief of the division of cardiology at UCLA Health.
