Pembroke

Researchers are evaluating a culturally-adapted intervention designed to improve cardiovascular health in American Indian women aged 18 to 55 who are at risk for heart disease. This pilot study aims to assess whether the intervention is feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving key cardiovascular outcomes such as blood pressure, heart rate variability, inflammatory markers, and metabolic function. The study also looks at secondary effects on stress, psychological well-being, diet, exercise, self-regulation, and self-efficacy. The intervention consists of an 8-week culturally-adapted health promotion program specifically for American Indian women at risk for cardiovascular disease. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which attends 8 weekly classes, or to a control group that does not receive the intervention. The entire study duration is 3 months, including the 8-week intervention and follow-up periods. Participants will attend three data collection visits during the 3 months to measure changes in blood pressure, heart rate variability, inflammatory markers like Hs-CRP and IL-6, metabolic markers such as Hemoglobin A1c and lipid panel, body mass index, and body fat percentage. Researchers will also assess stress levels, psychological well-being, and health behaviors. The study includes ongoing monitoring and aims to compare outcomes between the intervention and control groups to understand the intervention's impact.