| Sumario: | 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 ± 5 kg/m² and mean triglycerides (173 ± 103 mg/dL) were highest in Filipinas (n = 49). The Chinese (n = 36) had a low rate (4%) of obesity with a mean BMI of 23 ± 3 kg/m² and the least risk factors along with the lowest triglycerides (88 ± 44 mg/dL). Cambodians (n = 39; BMI of 24 ± 3 kg/m²) and Vietnamese (n = 23; BMI: 22 ± 3 kg/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.
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