Cardiovascular health among Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders: an examination of health status and intervention approaches.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW. The purpose of this review is to examine the cardiovascular health status of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders by primary risk factor and review current intervention approaches targeting this population. Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in the United States have experienced triple digit percentage increases in population for every decade since 1970. Despite their rapidly increasing numbers, little is known about their cardiovascular health status. SEARCH METHODS USED. This article reviews the literature on the demographics, mortality, and prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors among Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Selected intervention programs are also described. SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT FINDINGS. Data on cardiovascular disease mortality for Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders are relatively limited because few states collect ethnically specific mortality statistics. Data on cardiovascular risk factors, particularly smoking and hypertension, for certain Asian American/Pacific Islander groups portend excessive cardiovascular disease burdens. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS. Data specific to ethnic groups comprising Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders need to be called. Also, scientifically valid and linguistically appropriate interventions approved by ethnic community leaders are needed to address Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.