A recent NIH-supported study highlights concerning rates of elevated cholesterol among American Indian youth, revealing that over 70% of young adults aged 20-39 and 50% of teens in this population have cholesterol levels that heighten their risk of cardiovascular disease. This large-scale study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from the Strong Heart Family Study over 19 years. More than 1,400 participants, ages 15-39, were monitored from 2001 to 2020, with results indicating that abnormal cholesterol levels — including high LDL or “bad” cholesterol and moderately high triglycerides — were prevalent even among adolescents. Specifically, 55% of participants ages 15-19 had abnormal cholesterol at the study’s start, with rates rising in older age groups.
The study also conducted carotid artery ultrasounds on participants, detecting early plaque buildup in about 5% of individuals, which can block blood flow or cause stroke if it ruptures. By the study’s end, approximately 9% of participants experienced significant cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, or the need for heart surgeries. High LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol were closely associated with these outcomes.
The findings underscore the importance of early screenings and continuous healthcare access, especially given that heart disease rates among American Indian adults are twice that of the general U.S. population. “It’s essential that young people, especially those with cardiovascular risks, engage with healthcare providers for regular checkups,” emphasized Dr. Ying Zhang of the Center for American Indian Health Research. The study also called for culturally relevant health education and preventive strategies to support cardiovascular health in Native American youth.
