Social change has been involved in the unequal distribution patterns of chronic diseases in several populations. Among Indian communities experiencing life pattern changes, international studies have reported increased prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. Such increased prevalence was ascertained in a survey conducted in 1999 in selected Guaraní-Mbyá communities (Sapukai, Paraty-Mirim, and Araponga) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A population census was carried out and interviews and clinical and biochemical evaluations were conducted with 80 men and 71 women. Observed prevalence of selected risk factors in the overall sample, including men and women, was as follows for the three communities: hypertension (4.8%, 2.6%, 7.4%); overweight (26.7%, 19.5%, 34.8%); total cholesterol levels (2.8%, 2.7%, 2.9%), and increased triglyceride levels (12.6%, 9.5%, 15.9%). All prevalence rates were higher among women and at older ages. The results suggest that the Guaraní communities have a moderate risk of chronic diseases and that measures to reduce these risk factors should be adopted.
Anthropometry; Chronic Diseases; Hypertension; Guaraní-Mbyá; South American Indians
