Cardiovascular Disease in South Asian Americans: A Serious Health Concern

Abstract

South Asians in the United States are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia despite presenting with a lower body mass index than other racial and ethnic groups. This disproportionate burden, including earlier disease onset, may be attributable to various factors, including higher insulin resistance, lipoprotein abnormalities, genetics, unhealthy dietary patterns, inadequate physical activity and social determinants of health. Effective cardiovascular disease prevention and management are needed at multiple levels and across sectors to ensure effective pharmacotherapy and treatment and address modifiable risk factors using culturally sensitive approaches.