Longer Residency in the U.S. Elevates Heart Disease Risk Among Immigrants

Recent research indicates that immigrants to the United States generally have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to native-born Americans. However, this protective advantage diminishes with increased duration of residence in the U.S. According to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Middle East 2025 conference in Dubai, as immigrants adapt to American lifestyle patterns over time, their risk factors for heart disease tend to rise.

The study analyzed data from 15,965 adults between 2011 and 2016, focusing on cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking habits. Participants were classified based on whether they were U.S.-born or foreign-born and further divided by how long they had lived in the U.S., with groups under 15 years and over 15 years.

Findings revealed that foreign-born adults living in the U.S. for less than 15 years had a healthier profile, with lower prevalence rates of hypertension (38.3% vs. 48.5%), hypercholesterolemia (27.8% vs. 30%), and smoking (12.5% vs. 19.9%) compared to U.S.-born individuals. Conversely, those residing longer than 15 years showed increased rates of diabetes (15.4% vs. 11.2%) and hypercholesterolemia (29.4% vs. 30%), suggesting a decline in initial health advantages.

The study also highlighted differences among ethnic groups, noting that non-Hispanic Asian immigrants living in the U.S. for more than 15 years had higher diabetes prevalence yet lower smoking rates compared to their U.S.-born counterparts.

Experts attribute the rising cardiovascular risk among long-term immigrants to several factors:

1. Lifestyle changes: Adoption of processed foods, sugary diets, and sedentary behaviors.
2. Chronic stress and socioeconomic challenges: Discrimination, financial hardship, and unstable employment can increase health risks.
3. Cultural practice loss: Diminished traditional diets and physical activity, along with reduced community support.
4. Limited healthcare access: Barriers to preventive services delay diagnosis and treatment.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider the length of U.S. residency when assessing immigrant patients, emphasizing the importance of early screening, culturally sensitive counseling, and preventive interventions. Awareness efforts should focus on maintaining protective health behaviors in immigrant communities to mitigate cardiovascular risks as they adapt to their new environment.

As Dr. Krishna Moparthi from John F. Kennedy University notes, "Immigrants arrive with a cardiovascular health advantage, but this fades with prolonged U.S. residence due to lifestyle and stress-related factors. Early intervention is crucial to preserve heart health."

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-heart-disease-immigrants-longer.html]