Lifestyle Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease in Cubans and Cuban Americans

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in Cuba. Lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in Cubans have not been compared to risk factors in Cuban Americans. Articles spanning the last 20 years were reviewed. The data on Cuban Americans are largely based on the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES), 1982–1984, while more recent data on epidemiological trends in Cuba are available. The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus remains greater in Cuban Americans than in Cubans. However, dietary preferences, low physical activity, and tobacco use are contributing to the rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and CHD in Cuba, putting Cubans at increased cardiovascular risk. Comprehensive national strategies for cardiovascular prevention that address these modifiable lifestyle risk factors are necessary to address the increasing threat to public health in Cuba.

Combined profiles derived from cardiovascular risk factors, health-promoting lifestyle, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

“…The prevalence of risk factors for the disease probably results from adopting an unhealthy lifestyle. 24,25 According to this, the present results show that members of cluster A compared to cluster C have a more adverse condition in half of the components of HPLP (physical activity, spiritual growth, and stress management). These factors can also play a role in experiencing the symptoms of PTSD in general.…”

Worldwide disparities in cardiovascular disease: Challenges and solutions

“…Tobacco use prevalence varies nation to nation, but still carries a population attributable risk for CVD from tobacco of 8% or 10,000 deaths in the LAC per year [97,108].…”

Effect of single or combined administration of resistant starch and chitosan oligosaccharides on insulin resistance in rats fed with a high‐fat diet

“…Changes in the human diet, such as an increase in consumption of high‐fat food and resulting obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent and is a significant contributor to the rising incidence of insulin resistance (IR). Insulin resistance is defined as a state of reduced metabolic response to circulating insulin , and contributes to a wide range of health problems, including type2 diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease .…”