Immigrants, Descendants and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and in all regions of Brazil. Racial, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to different prevalence rates of risk factors and presentations of the disease. Differences have been found between Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and Afro-descendants, and even within each race, due to migratory movements. ^,

Changes in the socio-demographic profile of migrant populations have resulted in health transitions, considering the country of origin (some of them with a high risk for certain diseases) and changes in lifestyle and diet in the new country. Several studies have found a significant linear relationship between migration and acculturation, alcohol consumption, lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index and physical activity. ^–

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