Understanding ethnic and nativity-related differences in low cardiovascular risk status among Mexican-Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

ObjectiveRecent guidelines highlight the importance of improving cardiovascular health in the general population in addition to disease prevention among high risk individuals. We investigated factors associated with ethnic and nativity-related differences in the prevalence of low cardiovascular risk (optimal levels of all major cardiovascular risk factors).MethodsWe used logistic regression to estimate differences in likelihood of being low risk (not currently smoking; no diabetes; untreated total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL; untreated blood pressure < 120/< 80; and body mass index < 25 kg/m2) among 8693 foreign- and U.S.-born Mexican-American and non-Hispanic White 2003–2008 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants before and after adjustment for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and acculturation-related factors.ResultsForeign-born Mexican-Americans were more likely to be low risk than non-Hispanic Whites after adjustment for all covariates (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.53; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.00, 2.34). In contrast, U.S.-born Mexican-Americans were less likely to be low risk compared to Whites (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.84). Differences between foreign-born and U.S.-born Mexican-Americans were largely attenuated after adjustment for acculturation indicators.ConclusionsOur findings support the healthy migrant hypothesis and suggest that acculturation-related factors may be important drivers of ethnic and nativity-related differences in low cardiovascular risk.

► We assess variation in low cardiovascular risk prevalence by nativity and ethnicity.
► Foreign-born Mexican-Americans were more likely to be low risk than Whites.
► U.S.-born Mexican-Americans were less likely to be low risk than Whites.
► Acculturation indicators attenuated nativity-related differences in low risk.