STRONG HEART STUDY (SHS)- study of Native American and CVD (cardiovascular disease)

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in American Indians and Alaska Natives and a major source of disability and hospitalization.
In the 1980's it was concluded the the study of heart disease in Native American culture was inconclusive. The Secretary of Health and Human Service’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health concluded that information on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American Indians was inadequate and strongly recommended epidemiologic studies of this problem. The Strong Heart Study (SHS) was designed to respond to this recommendation. In 1988 the National Heart, Lung , and Blood Institute (NHLBI) supported the largest epidemiology study of cardiovascular disease in Native American men and women.

FYI::(Epidemiology is the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations, and serves as the foundation and logic of interventions made in the interest of public health and preventive medicine.)

This study included 13 American Indian Tribes and communities in three geographical areas. This included the southwestern areas of Oklahoma, Phoenix, Arizona, and central North and South Dakota. This study was done in five phases and was extensive in many areas including cardiovascular mortality rates, morbidity and mortality (M&M), genetics, and clinical examinations of over 4,500 participants.

Advantages of the SHS include the following: 1) It provides health data on an underserved ethnic group. 2) It is the largest, longest longitudinal study in the US of CVD and its risk factors in individuals with diabetes. 3) Data from cardiac, carotid, and popliteal ultrasound measures will substantially improve understanding of mechanisms of vascular disease in diabetes and the genetics of CVD. 4) This population includes a group in which the epidemic of obesity and diabetes has impacted people at very young ages, permitting analysis of genetic and environmental effects on these conditions with limited confounding by age effects. SHS may lead to valuable therapeutic and prevention strategies for this and other populations in the US and the world, where the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and CVD are increasing rapidly.

My daughter just applied at the Indian Health Services in her community. We talked about the fact that a Healthy Heart program needs to be included in this communities health and healing structure of preventative medicine. The fact of the matter is the more we are educated on promoting a healthy heart through lifestyle changes, the more we can reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer across our country.
Indian Health Service – Cardiology Program
American Indians/Alaska Natives and Cardiovascular Diseases
Strong Heart Study
American Heart Association (AHA)

I am an advocate in reducung the risk of heart disease, especially in women and ethnic groups that run high risks towards CVD. I am constantly researching and educating myself as a heart patient and a Cardiovascular Survivor! The more I can do to help others, the more I am living my purpose!

Healthy Heart Blessings to all~
Desiree