Methods: A mailed survey collected demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, were performed to evaluate the survey data. Results: The CMHS cohort is comprised of WNH (62%, 51,909/84,170), 14% (11,407/84,170) Hispanic, 8% (6,298/84,170) African-American, 11% (8,705/84,170) Asian/Pacific Islander, and 5% (6,733/84,170) other/mixed men. Of the 8,705 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 602 identified themselves as Asian-Indian. Although most Asian-Indian men were first generation immigrants (94%, 568/602), over three-fourths had resided in the US for 16+ years. Age distribution did not differ between Asian-Indian and WNH men. Asian-Indians were more likely than WNHs to live in a low income household (22%, 134/602 vs. 15%, 7,963/51,901), yet had considerably higher educational attainment (77% v 53%, with college degree). AsianIndian men more often reported a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9) [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.83 (95% CI 1.54-2.18)] and more often consumed <30% calories from fat [AOR = 2.57 (95% CI 2.13-3.11)]. There were no differences for fruit and vegetable consumption; however, Asian-Indian men were more likely to have never smoked and to abstain from alcohol. While Asian-Indian men were less likely to report moderate/vigorous physical activity > 3.5 hours/week [AOR = 0.54 (95% CI 0.46-0.64)], there was little difference in sedentary activity time spent outside of work. Conclusion: Despite a higher prevalence of CVD among Asian Indian men, in the CMHS we found Asian-Indian men had fewer CVD-related lifestyle risk factors. These results suggest risk factors other than lifestyle behaviors may be major contributors to CVD in the Asian Indian population.
