Korean American Health Variations
Of which biological variations among Korean Americans should the nurse be aware?
When caring for Korean American patients, nurses should be aware of several biological variations that may impact health, treatment, and patient outcomes. These variations include:
1. Drug Metabolism and Pharmacogenetics
- Increased Sensitivity to Certain Medications: Korean Americans may metabolize some drugs differently due to genetic variations in liver enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6 and CYP2C19). This can affect the metabolism of antidepressants, beta-blockers, and pain medications.
- Warfarin Sensitivity: Many East Asians, including Korean Americans, may require lower doses of warfarin due to variations in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes, which affect blood clotting.
2. Lactose Intolerance
- A high prevalence of lactose intolerance exists among Korean Americans, as with many East Asians. This may impact dietary habits and calcium intake, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Alcohol Metabolism
- Many Korean Americans have a genetic variation in the ALDH2 enzyme, which affects alcohol metabolism. This can lead to flushing, nausea, and tachycardia after alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer…
When caring for Korean American patients, nurses should be aware of several biological variations that may impact health, treatment, and patient outcomes. These variations include:
1. Drug Metabolism and Pharmacogenetics
- Increased Sensitivity to Certain Medications: Korean Americans may metabolize some drugs differently due to genetic variations in liver enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6 and CYP2C19). This can affect the metabolism of antidepressants, beta-blockers, and pain medications.
- Warfarin Sensitivity: Many East Asians, including Korean Americans, may require lower doses of warfarin due to variations in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes, which affect blood clotting.
2. Lactose Intolerance
- A high prevalence of lactose intolerance exists among Korean Americans, as with many East Asians. This may impact dietary habits and calcium intake, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Alcohol Metabolism
- Many Korean Americans have a genetic variation in the ALDH2 enzyme, which affects alcohol metabolism. This can lead to flushing, nausea, and tachycardia after alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer…
