International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 1182-1190, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
P Bjerregaard, G Mulvad and HS Pedersen
BACKGROUND: Mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and prevalence of
coronary arteriosclerosis are low in Inuit of Greenland (Greenlanders).
Aetiological considerations have so far focused mostly on diet and blood
lipids. The present study is a comprehensive analysis of behavioural,
clinical and serological cardiovascular risk factors for IHD in
Greenlanders. METHODS: An interview survey from West Greenland (n = 1436)
was supplemented with clinical measurements and blood sampling in selected
towns and villages (n = 264). RESULTS: The average consumption of marine
mammals and fish was 28 meals per month. In Greenland 14% of males and 30%
of females were physically inactive compared with 14% and 17% in the
general population of Denmark; 79% were current smokers and 22% smoked 15+
cigarettes per day compared with 42% and 21% in Denmark. High density
lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was 1.6 mmol/l in Greenland (1.1 in
Denmark) and triglyceride concentration 1.0 mmol/l (1.5). Obesity, blood
pressure and total cholesterol were similar in Greenland and Denmark. There
were significant differences between Greenlanders with a predominantly
traditional childhood and those with a more westernized childhood with
regard to diet, physical activity (in women) and blood lipids. CONCLUSIONS:
In spite of an increased westernization of the Greenlanders' lifestyle and
a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, mortality from
IHD is still low. The change in risk factor patterns is, however, recent
and an increased IHD mortality is still to be expected. Preventive measures
should be initiated to reduce risk factors but they must take into
consideration possible negative consequences of e.g. traditional outdoor
activities and the consumption of marine mammals.
ARTICLES
Cardiovascular risk factors in Inuit of Greenland
Danish Institute for Clinical Epidemiology, Section for Research in Greenland, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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