Why Filipinos are at Risk for Heart Disease

We all know heart disease has impacted the Filipino community, but some may not be aware of all the major risk factors. I think it's important to share this information, because it may shed some light as to why many of our family members have fallen victim to this disease. As Filipinas, we are often the nurturers and caregivers, so we have the influence and ability to shape the health of our children, family members and loved ones.

In 2006, I did a TV news story about this issue, and the American Heart Association was kind enough to compile statistics that, to my knowledge, aren't conveniently accessible in one place or on just any one website. And, I am again grateful that they gave me permission to post these statistics here. They provide a snapshot of the risks among Filipino-Americans. However, stateside or not, most Filipinos (no matter where) are likely influenced by Philippine culture and eat some of the same foods and are therefore susceptible. I did not alter or edit the information given to me, so as to preserve its integrity.

Risk factors for Heart Disease

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It is called the “silent killer” because most people are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and there are usually no symptoms associated with the condition. Asian American and Pacific Islanders have significantly lower blood pressure screening rates.

• Both Filipino women and men have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to Caucasians and other Asian subgroups.
• Filipino women 50 years and older had a prevalence rate of 65 percent and Filipino men 50 years and older had a hypertension prevalence rate of 60 percent, compared to the total U.S. prevalence of 47 percent for the same age group.
• Filipinos’ intake of food high in salt increases risk for high blood pressure.

HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL greatly increases one’s chances of developing heart disease. Excessive cholesterol in the blood settles on the inner walks of arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood to pass through the heart.

• Filipinos have the second highest prevalence of high blood cholesterol (29.8 percent for males and 20.6 percent for females) in the AAPI community.

CIGARETTE SMOKING is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Several studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in all persons regardless of age and socioeconomic status. Since cigarette smoking is modifiable, many steps can be taken to prevent and control one’s susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.

• Studies show Filipino American men were most likely to smoke (32.9 percent), followed by other Asians. Among women, Filipinos have the third highest prevalence of smoking among AAPIs.
• The Filipino community views smoking as normal and socially acceptable. Both Filipinos in the United States and the Philippines consider smoking a highly social and “cool” activity (Cardiovascular risk in the Filipino community, Formative Research from Daly City and San Francisco, Calif.).

OBESITY is a major risk factor for heart disease. Length of residence in the United States appears to have an effect on obesity for some AAPI groups.

• In total, 26 percent of Filipino Americans are obese.
• In California, a study showed Filipino men are more obese than their homeland counterparts. The same study found the greatest prevalence of overweight men among Filipinos (41.8 percent), compared to Japanese (38.0 percent), Chinese (26.9 percent) and other Asians (28.9).

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Many studies have asserted that physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that individuals engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes everyday or most days of the week.

• AAPIs engage in less physical activity compared to the general population.
• Filipinos are most likely to have sedentary lifestyles (76.3 percent), followed by Japanese (57.1 percent) and Hawaiians/part-Hawaiians (54.7 percent).

DIABETES is a disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. The vast majority of diabetics die from some type of cardiovascular disease. This is partly because diabetes affects cholesterol levels. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, and the risk is doubled when high blood pressure is present.

• Data on diabetes in Hawaii show Filipinos have the highest prevalence of both total cases (21.8 percent) and new cases (15.5 percent) of diabetes.
• In the Philippines, an estimated 3 million Filipinos have diabetes, and half of these cases are undiagnosed.
Source: The American Heart Association