Comparison of atherosclerosis in alaska Natives and nonnatives.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that Alaska Natives have fewer atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries and aorta than nonnative Alaska residents. Systematic standardized collection and evaluation of coronary arteries and aortas collected at autopsy. Forensic autopsy service in Alaska. One hundred thirty Alaska Natives and 115 Alaska nonnatives who underwent forensic autopsy between February 1989 and December 1993. None. Prevalence and extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas and coronary arteries in both populations studied. Alaska Natives had significantly lower prevalence and extent of raised atherosclerotic lesions in the abdominal aorta and coronary arteries than nonnative Alaska residents. Differences in coronary heart disease mortality between Alaska Natives and nonnatives are, at least in part, the result of fewer atherosclerotic lesions in Alaska Natives.