Cardiovascular Risk Among an Underserved Chinese American Community in Chicago: A Graduate Student Health Organization Prioritizing Community Health Needs

Abstract

Introduction: The Midwestern University Asian Healthcare Association (AHA) is an interdisciplinary student healthcare organization. In collaboration with the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) located in Chicago’s Chinatown, AHA provides monthly community healthcare services led by AHA students at the MAHA facility. This project assessed the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia among the Chinese American members of MAHA, as well as their risk for cardiovascular disease, to prioritize the community’s health needs.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on MAHA members receiving community health services during 2014-2018. Blood pressure and fasting lipid panel data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome based on standard clinical guidelines. Data is presented as descriptive statistics.

Results: From January 2014 to December 2018, 1299 members of MAHA attended the monthly healthcare events, averaging 23 members per month. During the assessment period, 29% of members received more than one blood pressure reading. The prevalence of hypertension within this group was 15%, with nearly half having Stage 2 hypertension, making them candidates for antihypertensive drug therapy. Additionally, 89% of the members had a complete lipid panel for assessment.  The results showed that 8% had very high total cholesterol levels, 25% had very low high-density lipoproteins levels, and 2% with very high low-density lipoproteins levels.

Conclusion: This assessment reveals notable cardiovascular risk among underserved Chinese Americans in Chicago's Chinatown. In response, AHA provides personalized education on cardiovascular risk reduction through diet and exercise. However, our findings also highlight challenges members face accessing advanced care and ongoing efforts to address these obstacles. Understanding health disparities in underserved populations offers valuable insights for student-led initiatives to prioritize services and address resource gaps.