Facts on American Indians With Heart Disease

Heart disease is prevalent among American Indians, resulting in increased mortality rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians.

Demographics

• The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are almost 4.5 million American Indians and Alaskan natives living in the United States. There are 538,300 American Indians or Alaskan natives living on reservations.

Heart Disease Comparisons

• Compared with the general, non-indigenous population of the United States, the heart disease death rate of the American Indian is 20 percent greater. The states with the highest death rates from heart disease among American Indians are North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Contributing Factors

• According to the federal Indian Health Service, a number of factors contribute to heart disease among American Indians. These include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure, all of which can lead to coronary disease, heart attacks or cardiac deaths.

Health Care

• Almost 55 percent of American Indians and Alaskan natives rely on the federally funded Indian Health Service to provide health care. Due to inadequate funding, there is a large disparity between health services provided to American Indians and mainstream health care services. Lack of funding is a contributing factor in poor health care for American Indians.

Prevention

• Prevention is a key factor in reducing heart disease. Lifestyle changes such as reducing the intake of high cholesterol foods and increasing activity levels play an important role in avoiding heart disease.