Native Americans are experiencing heart disease at higher rates compared to other demographics, with significant premature mortality, a recent study reveals. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that in Forest County, the death rate from heart disease among Native Americans aged 35 and older is 464 per 100,000, compared to 344 per 100,000 for the general population of the same age group.
Dr. Anupama Joseph, a non-invasive cardiologist at the University of Wisconsin, emphasizes that cardiovascular disease prevention and addressing health disparities are her primary concerns. Dr. Joseph, who conducts a preventive cardiology clinic four times a year in the Forest County Potawatomi Community, points out that obesity and diabetes are also prevalent among Native Americans, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
These health issues are partly attributed to the long-term consequences of intergenerational trauma and the effects of colonialism. Dr. Joseph notes that the forced consumption of commodity foods—processed items high in sugar and fat—has contributed to the higher rates of obesity and diabetes in Native American populations.
To combat these trends, Dr. Joseph advocates for preventive measures, including annual health screenings, awareness of family medical history, and a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. She recommends that her patients adhere to a diet where the majority of their food intake is healthy, following a 90%/10% or 80%/20% rule for healthy versus less healthy foods.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and culturally sensitive healthcare practices to address the disparities in heart disease rates among Native Americans.
See “Heart diseases is found in higher rates among Native Americans” by Katie Thoresen on WXPR Public Radio (Rhinelander, Wisconsin (February 9, 2024)
