P Bjerregaard1, G Mulvad, H S Pedersen. 1. Danish Institute for Clinical Epidemiology, Section for Research in Greenland, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and prevalence of coronary arteriosclerosis are low in Inuit of Greenland (Greenlanders). Aetiological considerations have so far focused mostly on diet and blood lipids. The present study is a comprehensive analysis of behavioural, clinical and serological cardiovascular risk factors for IHD in Greenlanders. METHODS: An interview survey from West Greenland (n = 1436) was supplemented with clinical measurements and blood sampling in selected towns and villages (n = 264). RESULTS: The average consumption of marine mammals and fish was 28 meals per month. In Greenland 14% of males and 30% of females were physically inactive compared with 14% and 17% in the general population of Denmark; 79% were current smokers and 22% smoked 15+ cigarettes per day compared with 42% and 21% in Denmark. High density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was 1.6 mmol/l in Greenland (1.1 in Denmark) and triglyceride concentration 1.0 mmol/l (1.5). Obesity, blood pressure and total cholesterol were similar in Greenland and Denmark. There were significant differences between Greenlanders with a predominantly traditional childhood and those with a more westernized childhood with regard to diet, physical activity (in women) and blood lipids. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of an increased westernization of the Greenlanders' lifestyle and a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, mortality from IHD is still low. The change in risk factor patterns is, however, recent and an increased IHD mortality is still to be expected. Preventive measures should be initiated to reduce risk factors but they must take into consideration possible negative consequences of e.g. traditional outdoor activities and the consumption of marine mammals.
BACKGROUND: Mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and prevalence of coronary arteriosclerosis are low in Inuit of Greenland (Greenlanders). Aetiological considerations have so far focused mostly on diet and blood lipids. The present study is a comprehensive analysis of behavioural, clinical and serological cardiovascular risk factors for IHD in Greenlanders. METHODS: An interview survey from West Greenland (n = 1436) was supplemented with clinical measurements and blood sampling in selected towns and villages (n = 264). RESULTS: The average consumption of marine mammals and fish was 28 meals per month. In Greenland 14% of males and 30% of females were physically inactive compared with 14% and 17% in the general population of Denmark; 79% were current smokers and 22% smoked 15+ cigarettes per day compared with 42% and 21% in Denmark. High density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was 1.6 mmol/l in Greenland (1.1 in Denmark) and triglyceride concentration 1.0 mmol/l (1.5). Obesity, blood pressure and total cholesterol were similar in Greenland and Denmark. There were significant differences between Greenlanders with a predominantly traditional childhood and those with a more westernized childhood with regard to diet, physical activity (in women) and blood lipids. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of an increased westernization of the Greenlanders' lifestyle and a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, mortality from IHD is still low. The change in risk factor patterns is, however, recent and an increased IHD mortality is still to be expected. Preventive measures should be initiated to reduce risk factors but they must take into consideration possible negative consequences of e.g. traditional outdoor activities and the consumption of marine mammals.
Authors: R F de Moura; L F Nascimento; L M Ignacio-Souza; J Morari; D S Razolli; C Solon; G F P de Souza; W T Festuccia; L A Velloso Journal: Int J Obes (Lond) Date: 2015-09-22 Impact factor: 5.095
Authors: Marie-Ludivine Chateau-Degat; Eric Dewailly; Rabia Louchini; Emilie Counil; Martin Noël; Annie Ferland; Michel Lucas; Béatriz Valera; Jean-Marie Ekoé; Robert Ladouceur; S Déry; Grace Egeland Journal: Can J Cardiol Date: 2010 Jun-Jul Impact factor: 5.223
Authors: Joseph B Dubé; Jian Wang; Henian Cao; Adam D McIntyre; Christopher T Johansen; Scarlett E Hopkins; Randa Stringer; Siyavash Hosseinzadeh; Brooke A Kennedy; Matthew R Ban; T Kue Young; Philip W Connelly; Eric Dewailly; Peter Bjerregaard; Bert B Boyer; Robert A Hegele Journal: Circ Cardiovasc Genet Date: 2014-11-20
Authors: Karl-Erik Eilertsen; Hanne K Mæhre; Katrien Cludts; Jan O Olsen; Marc F Hoylaerts Journal: Lipids Health Dis Date: 2011-03-03 Impact factor: 3.876