Cerebrovascular Risk Factors for Body Mass Index, Diabetes, and Atherosclerosis in a Wisconsin Native American Population: A Cross‐Sectional Observation Study

Background Native American (NA) people are at an increased risk for stroke and are disproportionally affected by stroke risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. The objective of this study is to characterize stroke risk factors in Wisconsin Native American people compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched population in the SHOW (Survey of the Health of Wisconsin) study to direct future therapeutic efforts. Methods Stroke risk factor information was collected from an NA and an age‐ and sex‐matched general Wisconsin population. Stroke risk factor data collected included age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, history of transient ischemic attack/stroke, history of coronary artery disease, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, current smoking status, and laboratory bloodwork (lipid panel, hemoglobin A 1c , and average glucose). In addition, all Oneida NA participants had a comprehensive carotid ultrasound examination performed to evaluate for the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and examine hemodynamics. Results The NA population had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were taller, and had higher body mass indices and higher rates of diabetes compared with the Wisconsin general population (all P