American Journal of Epidemiology · 1979 · 10 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineNutritionNutritional SciencesHeavy Metal ToxicologyHuman NutritionNutritional EpidemiologyCardiovascular DiseaseLiver DiseaseAdult PrevalenceDietary Cadmium ExposureDietary Salt IntakeGenetic Determinants Of HypertensionHeavy Metal Exposure EpidemiologyUrinary Cadmium Levels
Surveys of Aleuts on St. Paul Island, Alaska, in 1966 and 1976 found a prevalence of hypertension as high as any reported in the United States. The rate remained high over the 10-year period. Preliminary data from other Aleut villages on the Aleutian Chain indicate that a high prevalence of hypertension may be widespread in this region. Etiologically genetic factors, obesity, and a high salt intake are all present. In addition, an exceedingly high level of cadmium content was found in seal livers, a dietary staple. Isolated locations such as St. Paul provide natural laboratories for possibly elucidating the complex etiology of this disease.