The preliminary findings of the longest health and lifestyle analysis of the U.S. Latino population has been made public this week by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The study was spear-headed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) with contributions from six other institutes in the NIH, and has been released in a data book entitled, "The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Data Book: A Report to the Communities."

One of the main points of the project was to examine some paradoxes which are found within the Hispanic population. First, the Hispanic population as a whole is more prone to being economically disadvantaged than non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, Hispanics are also more likely to have health risks such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. It was also noted that the problem seems to get worse as Hispanics spend more time in the U.S. culture.

Yet, Hispanics live four years longer than non-Hispanic whites on average (83 years versus 79).

"Although Hispanics represent one out of every six people in the U.S., our knowledge about Hispanic health has been limited," said Dr. Larissa Aviles-Santa on the NHLBI in a statement. "These detailed findings provide a foundation to address questions about the health of the U.S. Hispanic/Latino population and a critical understanding of risk factors that could lead to improved health in all communities.

"The information contained in the HCHS/SOL data book will enable individuals, communities, scientists, and health policy makers to tailor health intervention strategies to improve the health of all Hispanics."

The analysis followed more than 16,000 participants across Miami, the Bronx, Chicago and San Diego and tracked participants in the areas of disease conditions, risk for cardiovascular disease, lifestyle, health awareness (including treatment and control) and health insurance.

According to the study's authors, health risk factors and lifestyle choices varied widely among participants based on their country of origin.

For example, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 7.4 percent among Mexicans to 35.8 percent among Puerto Ricans. Pre-diabetes was found in 32.1 percent of Dominicans and 37.7 percent of Mexicans.

The results were equally as diverse in lifestyle areas. 19.2 percent of Puerto Ricans reported eating five or more fruits/vegetables a day compared to 55 percent of Cubans. People of Cuban origin averaged 17.7 minutes of recreational activity per day, compared to 28.3 minutes for people of Puerto Rican origin.

The NIH plans to continue the study through 2017.

"At that point we'll know whether there's something unique that's preserving the health of Hispanics, or whether their health is on the decline," said Dr. Neil Schneiderman, who participated in the Florida portion of the analysis, to the Miami Herald.