Abstract WE408: Association of Acculturation with Ventricular Arrhythmias: Preliminary Findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Abstract

Introduction: Some studies suggest that Hispanic/Latino immigrants in the U.S. have a lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks. However, it remains unclear whether this protective effect diminishes over time with prolonged exposure to U.S. lifestyle and culture. Our objective is to evaluate the association between acculturation and early markers of ventricular electrical instability in the Hispanic/Latino population. Hypothesis: Greater acculturation is associated with higher frequency of premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and prevalence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). Methods: In 2023-24, 1,413 adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) wore an ambulatory ECG recording device, the Zio XT Patch (iRhythm Technologies, Inc, San Francisco, CA), for up to 2 weeks. We excluded participants with fewer than 2 days of analyzable data (n=87) and those who lacked demographic information (n=4). The log-transformed average daily episodes of PVCs and the presence of any NSVT were analyzed as outcomes using linear regression and logistic regression, respectively. Nativity, length of residency in the U.S., and language preference at interview were used as proxies of acculturation. Results: In 1,322 participants, the mean (SD) analyzable recording time was 11 (3) days; mean (SD) age was 64 (8) years, and 912 (69%) were female. NSVT was detected in 16% (n=218) of participants. PVCs were present in 99% (n=1,306) of participants, with a median (IQR) of 15 (5-96) average daily PVC episodes. After accounting for age, sex, center, Hispanic/Latino background, and Zio analyzable time, English-speakers and U.S.-born participants (both indicating greater acculturation) had 43% and 85% higher PVC frequency than Spanish-speakers and immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for < 20 years, respectively (Table 1). These associations persisted after additional adjustment for socioeconomic status, cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery disease. Similarly, English preference was associated with more than 70% higher odds of having NSVT. Conclusions: Greater acculturation is associated with higher frequency of PVC and prevalence of NSVT in the Hispanic/Latino population. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations within the Hispanic/Latino community.