Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume 23, Issue 6, 2011, Pages 882-895

Cardiovascular disease risk in immigrants: What is the evidence and where are the gaps? (Article)

Dassanayake J.* , Gurrin L. , Payne W.R. , Sundararajan V. , Dharmage S.C.
  • a Center for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
  • b Center for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
  • c University of Ballarat, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
  • d Victorian Department of Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  • e Center for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, University of Melbourne, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia

Abstract

Objectives: This study systematically reviewed the peer-reviewed literature to establish morbidity and mortality from myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke among immigrant populations. Methods: The review considered only studies published between 1986 and 2008 that provided data on MI or stroke morbidity/mortality among first-generation immigrants. A prespecified search strategy identified 58 studies for possible inclusion. Of these, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Immigrant MI mortality and morbidity varied by host country with no consistent pattern from one country or region. However, there was an overall trend for increasing risk of MI among immigrants worldwide. Chinese and African immigrants had consistently higher stroke mortality. Conclusion: MI and stroke incidence and prevalence among first-generation immigrants are related to both genetic and environmental factors, but the relative contribution of each is unclear. Prospective studies are needed to identify genetic and behavioral characteristics associated with stroke among Chinese immigrant populations. © 2011 Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health.

Author Keywords

cardiovascular disease immigrants culture difference

Index Keywords

Myocardial Infarction Stroke cerebrovascular accident heart infarction Cardiovascular Diseases human middle aged Aged Humans cardiovascular disease male Emigrants and Immigrants female risk factor Risk Factors Review adult migration mortality pathophysiology
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-82955213958&doi=10.1177%2f1010539509360572&partnerID=40&md5=f546981dd9a5636a50efc4019a26f980
DOI: 10.1177/1010539509360572
ISSN: 10105395
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English