Key result
Oneida Native Americans show ~82% carotid plaque prevalence and higher stroke risk factors versus general population.
Why the study?
Native American people face increased stroke risk and disproportionate burden from risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, warranting characterization to direct future therapeutic efforts.
Do Wisconsin Native American populations have a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors compared to an age- and sex-matched general population?
Do Wisconsin Native American populations have a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors compared to an age- and sex-matched general population?
Wisconsin Native American populations exhibit significantly higher rates of cerebrovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, highlighting a critical need for targeted preventive interventions.
Warrants targeted prevention in Wisconsin Native Americans; extends evidence of cerebrovascular risk disparities.
Background Native American (NA) people are at an increased risk for stroke and are disproportionally affected by stroke risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. The objective of this study is to characterize stroke risk factors in Wisconsin Native American people compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched population in the SHOW (Survey of the Health of Wisconsin) study to direct future therapeutic efforts. Methods Stroke risk factor information was collected from an NA and an age‐ and sex‐matched general Wisconsin population. Stroke risk factor data collected included age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, history of transient ischemic attack/stroke, history of coronary artery disease, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, current smoking status, and laboratory bloodwork (lipid panel, hemoglobin A 1c , and average glucose). In addition, all Oneida NA participants had a comprehensive carotid ultrasound examination performed to evaluate for the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and examine hemodynamics. Results The NA population had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were taller, and had higher body mass indices and higher rates of diabetes compared with the Wisconsin general population (all P <0.05). Significant differences were also noted in total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A 1c , and average glucose (all P <0.05). In addition, 81.5% of the Oneida NA population had atherosclerotic plaque present in their carotid arteries. Conclusions This study demonstrates several statistically significant differences in stroke risk factors between the NA population and a general Wisconsin sample population. These results indicate a strong relationship between obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis in the NA group. Thus, there is an opportunity to work with NA communities to identify and modify stroke risk factors. Future work will examine the impact of exercise, diet, and nutrition on these risk factors. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NCT04382963.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Mitchell et al. (2026) studied this question. 81.5% of the Oneida Native American population had carotid atherosclerotic plaque with significantly higher blood pressure, BMI, and diabetes than Wisconsin general population.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: