Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 22, 101000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.101000 Dr. Anand Rohatgi et al.
Points
- South Asians face a disproportionately high burden of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes despite normal body weight, requiring early detection and culturally adapted prevention strategies.
- The study highlights that South Asians develop heart disease and Type 2 diabetes at younger ages and lower BMIs, with women also facing increased pregnancy-related cardiometabolic risks.
- A multifactorial approach considering genetic, cultural, and environmental factors is essential to address the elevated cardiometabolic risk uniquely affecting South Asian populations.
- Programs like the South Asian Heart Program at UT Southwestern combine early screenings with lifestyle counseling, serving as a model for comprehensive, culturally tailored healthcare interventions.
- The authors stress the importance of research, culturally aware communication, and collaboration with community leaders to overcome barriers and improve cardiometabolic health among South Asians.
Summary
This study highlights the elevated cardiometabolic risk faced by South Asians (SAs) and provides a roadmap for improving prevention and management in North American populations. South Asians, who make up 25% of the world’s population, represent 60% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases, with significantly higher rates of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. This risk is particularly pronounced despite normal body weight, making early detection and prevention strategies vital. The study proposes a comprehensive framework, including tailored lifestyle interventions and culturally specific clinical screenings, to address the unique needs of this population.
The research underscores the importance of a multifactorial approach that considers genetic, cultural, and environmental factors contributing to the elevated cardiometabolic risk in South Asians. For example, SAs develop coronary heart disease at two to four times the rates of other ethnic groups and tend to experience hypertension and Type 2 diabetes at younger ages and lower body mass indexes. Additionally, South Asian women experience higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, further amplifying their risk profile. The study suggests that early and proactive screenings for blood glucose levels, body composition, arterial plaque, and mental health evaluations are essential to address this population’s unique risk factors.
Furthermore, the authors advocate for a comprehensive approach to care, as exemplified by the South Asian Heart Program at UT Southwestern, which combines early screenings with lifestyle modification counseling. They call for increased research focused on South Asian populations to understand better the accuracy of diagnostic tests and responses to health interventions. Additionally, cultural barriers, such as language issues and traditional health practices, should be addressed through collaborations with community leaders to foster better health outcomes. The study’s findings emphasize the need for proactive care and community engagement to empower South Asians to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666667725000753
References Rohatgi, A., Anand, S. S., Gadgil, M., Gujral, U. P., Jain, S. S., Javed, Z., Jha, M., Joshi, P. H., Manubolu, V. S., Nasir, K., Natarajan, P., Pagidipati, N., Palaniappan, L., Patel, A. P., Satish, P., Shah, N. S., Sharma, G., Trivedi, M. H., Virani, S. S., … Patel, J. (2025). South Asians and cardiometabolic health: A framework for comprehensive care for the individual, community, and population - An American society for preventive cardiology clinical practice statement. American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 22, 101000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.101000
