Ethnic differences in risk markers for heart disease in Bradford and implications for preventive strategies.

Ethnic differences in blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension in England

“…11,12 In the majority of these studies, comparisons with Caucasians revealed significantly higher mean blood pressure levels amongst both Afro-Caribbean populations [15][16][17]20,21 and South-Asian men, 15,16,20,21 and a higher prevalence of hypertension among both Afro-Caribbeans 12,13 and South-Asians. [18][19][20][21] However, four other British studies have reported no significant differences in mean blood pressures among the three main ethnic groups. [14][15][16][17][18] One other study revealed mixed findings, with significant differences in mean blood pressure between Afro-Caribbean and white day-shift workers but no significant differences among the night shift.…”

“…[18][19][20][21] However, four other British studies have reported no significant differences in mean blood pressures among the three main ethnic groups. [14][15][16][17][18] One other study revealed mixed findings, with significant differences in mean blood pressure between Afro-Caribbean and white day-shift workers but no significant differences among the night shift. 11 Further, two British studies have examined blood pressure levels in adolescents, since there has been speculation that levels of adult blood pressure may be determined in childhood.…”

“…12,13,17,19,21 However, Caucasians had higher rates of smoking 13,[18][19][20][21] and consumed more units of alcohol per week on average than either Afro-Caribbeans or SouthAsians. 13,18,20,21 Nevertheless, after controlling for risk factors such as age, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption, ethnic variation in the prevalence of hypertension could not be explained by these variables in the present study. There were no significant differences on any of these variables between AfroCaribbean and Caucasian men, except those aged 60 years and older.…”

“…12,14,18,[20][21] CVD is largely preventable by reduction of modifiable risk factors. However, effective prevention requires total risk factor identification, treatment, and management rather than intervention of single risk factors.…”

Health of migrants and migrant health policy, the Netherlands as an example

“…Migrant studies can also emphasize the universal validity of efforts to understand causes of disease. The high risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) among Asian immigrants in the United Kingdom, for example, can only be understood to a very limited degree through increased prevalence of known risk factors for I H D [1]. This shows that what was believed to be general, universal knowledge on risk factors for IHD may be not so universal after all.…”