High Cholesterol levels Threaten Heart Health of American ⁣Indian Youth

⁤ Updated June 13, 2025

A⁢ National Institutes of Health (NIH) study indicates that more than 70% of American Indian young ‍adults between ⁣20 and ‍39 years old, and ⁢50% of American Indian teenagers, exhibit cholesterol⁣ levels or elevated fat in the blood that increase their risk ‍for cardiovascular disease. These elevated levels, especially high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, frequently enough referred ‍to as “bad cholesterol,” have been associated with plaque accumulation and cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.

The research, a 19-year review published in the Journal of the‍ American Heart Association,⁣ analyzed data from the Strong Heart Family Study, a component of ‍the larger ⁤Strong Heart Study. This comprehensive study examined⁤ cardiovascular health outcomes and risk factors among American Indian adults, tracking ⁤over 1,400 participants⁢ aged⁤ 15-39 ⁣from 2001-2003 to 2020. ⁤Initial assessments revealed abnormal cholesterol levels ⁣in 55% of participants aged 15-19, 74% of those aged 20-29, and 78% of those aged 30-39.

Jessica⁢ A. Reese, an epidemiologist at the⁣ University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, emphasized the significance of early screenings‍ and interventions. “We where surprised about the numbers, especially in adolescents,” Reese said. “These findings show the⁢ importance of early screenings ‍and interventions, especially for⁣ teens and young adults who may be more likely to have underlying ⁣cardiovascular risks, ‍diabetes, or chronic liver disease.”

Researchers defined abnormal cholesterol as high total cholesterol, high⁢ LDL cholesterol, moderately high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (frequently enough called “good cholesterol”), or the use⁣ of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Approximately 40% of‍ participants ⁣had⁢ high LDL levels (at least 100 mg/dL), and nearly 3% had very high levels (at least 160 mg/dL).Notably, less than 2% of those with very high LDL cholesterol‍ were taking cholesterol-lowering ‍medication at the study’s outset.

Mona Puggal, ⁣an epidemiologist at the National Heart, ⁤Lung,⁤ and Blood Institute⁣ (NHLBI), highlighted the need for proactive measures. “This ⁤research supports efforts to identify ways, such as increased screenings ⁢and culturally relevant ⁢education,‍ to improve heart health ⁤and support‍ younger⁣ generations of Native americans,” Puggal said.

Heart⁣ disease‍ is ⁢twice as prevalent ‍in American Indian adults compared to the general ‍U.S. population, and abnormal cholesterol levels in the study were ⁢also ⁤twice as⁤ high as those seen in the general population‍ of⁣ U.S.teens and young adults. The researchers stressed the⁤ importance of⁤ regular check-ins ⁢and screenings, ensuring all participants received their lab work and imaging results and were encouraged to discuss ⁣them with ⁢their health care providers. Addressing‍ high cholesterol risk early is key.

At the⁢ study’s beginning, carotid artery ⁢ultrasounds were performed on 1,165 ‍participants, ⁢revealing plaque ‍or early plaque⁤ advancement in about 5% (61 individuals). Plaque⁤ buildup can impede blood flow,perhaps leading to stroke ‍or requiring surgical ‍intervention.

After roughly 5.5 years, about one-third (19 participants) of those with initial plaque showed worsening conditions. Among the ⁣1,104 participants ⁣without ⁣detectable plaque ‍initially, 10% (109 individuals) developed ⁣signs of it during a follow-up. Researchers linked these ⁣outcomes to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and othre non-HDL cholesterol.

By the study’s conclusion, approximately 9% (127 participants) had experienced a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, related heart⁣ surgery, or death. Participants⁣ with⁢ diabetes and‍ multiple cardiovascular risk ⁣factors,⁣ including large waistlines, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, ‍or low HDL cholesterol, were⁢ more⁤ prone to cardiovascular events. Managing cholesterol levels plays a vital role in⁢ prevention.

What’s next

To facilitate early risk detection, researchers emphasized the importance ⁤of youth maintaining⁣ connections⁢ with health care ⁣providers and ensuring ⁤coordinated ⁣care as they transition ‍from pediatric to⁣ adult health services.⁣ Regular blood cholesterol and blood ‍sugar checks are ⁢essential for a healthy⁢ life, according to Ying Zhang, director at the Center for american Indian Health Research⁣ at the University of ⁤Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.