Prevalence of self-reported myocardial infarction in Sami and non-Sami populations: the SAMINOR study

OBJECTIVE: Measure the prevalence of self-reported myocardial infarction (SMI) in Sami and non-Sami populations in rural areas of Norway, and explore whether possible ethnic differences could be explained by established cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. METHODS: A health survey was conducted in 2003–2004 in areas with Sami and non-Sami populations (SAMINOR). The response rate was 60.9%. Information concerning lifestyle was collected by 2 self-administrated questionnaires, and clinical examinations provided anthropometric measurements, and data on blood pressure and lipid levels. RESULTS: The total number for the subsequent analysis was 15,206 men and women aged 36–79 years (born 1925–1968). Sex-specific analyses revealed no ethnic difference in SMI. In terms of the most important risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and lipid levels, no or only trivial ethnic differences were found in both women and men. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found no difference in SMI between Sami and non-Sami in rural areas in Norway. The similar risk profile is the most plausible explanation; similar living conditions and close interaction between the ethnic groups may explain this.