South Asians are at an increased risk of cardio-metabolic disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and kidney diseases.
We care for all. This dedicated program provides care to patients of South Asian origin (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan) who have or are at risk for heart disease. Our range of services includes evaluation and treatment of patients:
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Cholesterol and Primary Prevention Guidelines included South Asian ethnicity among their “risk-enhancing” factors. However, the current risk calculators widely used in clinical practice often underestimate risk in this population, particularly for those at borderline or intermediate risk.
The approach needs to be individualized as significant differences are noted in the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and kidney disease development based on ethnic groups, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. However, often, patients are provided risk assessment and treatment plans that do not account for an individual’s background and personalized needs.
For example, measuring low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, usually considered a gold standard for future risk assessment, may not be adequate for this population. Often, individuals of South Asian origin suffer a heart attack, or stroke, even with “normal” LDL. However, more in-dept testing with lipoprotein(a) level and other blood markers as well as coronary artery calcium scan can accurately assess the risk in this population.
There are also differing “normal values” of HbA1c (average blood sugar level) and eGFR (a marker of kidney function) for this population which are often not accounted for and require additional testing for precise risk assessment and management.
Through this dedicated program, we aim to provide comprehensive and individualized risk assessment and tailored screening, surveillance, prevention and management plans.
The South Asian Cardio-Metabolic Program brings together specialists and clinical researchers from different specialties who work together to provide the best care possible.
Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in:
Individuals of South Asian ancestry represent 23% of the global population—corresponding to 1.8 billion people—and are disproportionately afflicted by cardiometabolic diseases, primarily heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
Although we know that South Asians are at a significantly higher risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders and at higher risk of having adverse outcomes, our understanding is limited and is evolving given the lack of data on South Asians.
Historically, a vast majority of cardiovascular and metabolic disorder research has not included high numbers of South Asians, and findings are often extrapolated. There is an unmet need, and this dedicated program provides a unique opportunity to study the cardio-metabolic disorders in the South Asian population.
We aim to generate high-quality scientific evidence with patient partnership and participation.
Take the first step on your journey toward better health.
The South Asian Cardio-Metabolic Program is accepting patients. Please contact us for further information and/or to schedule an appointment.
For BILH Providers, EPIC order: Ambulatory Referral to South Asian Cardio-Metabolic Program [Order Type: Referral, Preference list: Amb Facility Referrals and Px Code: REF]
