Ethnic difference in the prevalence of angina pectoris in Sami and non-Sami populations: the SAMINOR study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the population burden of angina pectoris symptoms (APS), self-reported angina and a combination of these, and explore potential ethnic disparity in their patterns. If differences in APS were found between Sami and non-Sami populations, we aimed at evaluating the role of established cardiovascular risk factors as mediating factors.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.MethodsA health survey was conducted in 2003–2004 in areas with Sami and non-Sami populations (SAMINOR). The response rate was 60.9%. The total number for the subsequent analysis was 15,206 men and women aged 36–79 years (born 1925–1968). Information concerning lifestyle was collected by 2 self-administrated questionnaires, and clinical examinations provided data on waist circumference, blood pressure and lipid levels.ResultsThis study revealed an excess of APS, self-reported angina and a combination of these in Sami relative to non-Sami women and men. After controlling for age, the odds ratio (OR) for APS was 1.42 (p<0.001) in Sami women and 1.62 (p<0.001) for men. When including relevant biomarkers and conventional risk factors, little change was observed. When also controlling for moderate alcohol consumption and leisure-time physical activity, the OR in women was reduced to 1.24 (p=0.06). Little change was observed in men.ConclusionThis study revealed an excess of APS, self-reported angina and a combination of these in Sami women and men relative to non-Sami women and men. Established risk factors explained little or none of the ethnic variation in APS. In women, however, less moderate alcohol consumption and leisure-time physical activity in Sami may explain the entire ethnic difference.

Childhood violence and adult chronic pain among indigenous Sami and non-Sami populations in Norway: a SAMINOR 2 questionnaire study

“…In the latter study, stomach pain was associated with milk intake. Also, our finding of higher prevalence of chest pain is in accordance with a study based on SAMINOR data, which reported a higher prevalence of angina pectoris among the Sami compared to the non-Sami (36). Furthermore, interpersonal violence has been associated with pain in the stomach and pelvic in several other studies.…”

“…Other studies among Sami in Finland and Russia confirm the higher prevalence of lactose intolerance compared to the majority populations (34,35). Moreover, a study based on SAMINOR data reported a higher prevalence of angina pectoris (heart cramp) among the Sami compared to the non-Sami (36). …”

Somatic health in the Indigenous Sami population - a systematic review

“…The authors suggest exposure to chronic stress as a result of marginalisation as a plausible explanation. No gender differences were found [26]. The prevalence of selfreported myocardial infarction was similar for Sami and non-Sami people in rural areas of Norway, based on a health survey in 2003-2004.…”

“…There is also evidence from Norway that self-reported myocardial infarction rates were similar among Sami and non-Sami, but Angina pectoris was more prevalent among Sami. In Sweden, cardiovascular disease rates were similar between Sami and non-Sami [25][26][27][28][29]. As with the general populations of the Nordic countries, the incidence of cancer among the Sami people has increased over recent decades.…”

“…In Sweden, no elevated risk for acute myocardial infarction were found in a Sami cohort compared to a demographically matched non-Sami population, between 1985 and 2002. Higher incidence rates of stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage for Sami men and women, compared to a non-Sami control population, were observed [27][28][29].…”