Are South Asians at Higher Risk of Heart Disease?

Ongoing research shows people from South Asia are more prone to developing diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity at younger ages, compared to other ethnic groups. Asian Indians in the U.S. had the highest mortality rate for coronary artery disease between 2003 and 2017, and this is the only group for which the rate is increasing. These high-risk factors are attributed to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. Washington Health is addressing this important topic with a free community seminar on heart health strategies and tips targeted for people of South Asian descent.

“It is critical, especially within our community of South Asians, to be educated on keeping your heart healthy because the mortality rate for this group is not only growing, but people are experiencing a cardiac event at younger ages, said Washington Health Family Nurse Practitioner Meghana “Maggi” Bachu, FNP, APRN, DNP. “Within my family and group of friends, we all know at least one individual in our lives who has experienced a heart attack or other cardiac condition. In addition to witnessing it in my daily work life, the higher proportion of Asian Indians with heart disease has a significant impact on a personal level within our community.”

Meghana will present a free community seminar called “Heart Health for South Asians,” at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. This online Health & Wellness seminar can be accessed at Facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1 or YouTube.com/@Washington_Health at that time, or afterward at your convenience.

Meghana has impressive credentials including a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner. She provides comprehensive care for patients with a holistic approach and is passionate about educating people on heart health and preventive health care. She joined Washington Health in January. “I didn’t want to be part of a huge health system where my patients and I were just numbers,” she continued. “I came to practice at Washington Health because it has that community touch, which I see throughout the organization.” In addition to her rich experience with cardiac patients, she is a bilingual practitioner who speaks Telugu in addition to English.

Risk Factors, Research and Causes

Facts show South Asians may develop heart disease 10 years earlier than other ethnic groups and have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. South Asians are more likely to develop severe coronary artery disease at a younger age, potentially leading to diabetes, stroke and heart attacks.

Much research has been done on why the South Asian population is at higher risk for heart disease and more is proposed. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is still under consideration. This bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award supplemental grants to states for heart disease-related research and awareness among communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, including the South Asian population in the U.S.

“People of South Asian descent have a higher tendency to carry weight in their abdominal area, which is linked to higher cholesterol levels, and in turn, heart disease,” said Meghana. Fat deposited deep in the abdominal cavity is called visceral fat, which can disrupt organ function and is linked to higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the bloodstream. Research shows centuries of famine in India may play a role here. Populations adapted to survive famines by storing fat more efficiently. While beneficial in times of scarcity, this trait can lead to obesity and related health issues in environments with plentiful food.

Meghana will discuss heart health strategies during the seminar, specifically nutrition, staying active, sleep, and mental health. She will also provide links to online resources that further promote heart health. While the information is targeted to the South Asian community, the tips and suggestions are important for all adults.

For more information on Meghana Bachu or Family Medicine at Washington Health, go to mywtmf.com or scan the QR code below. To read more about Washington Health’s cardiac services, visit whhs.com/heart.