Highlighting Heart Health Concerns for South East Asians
Heart disease poses a significant burden on a quarter of the global population, with South East Asians particularly affected. Let's delve into this pressing public health issue.
Until recently, the risks to our heart health remained largely unknown, as we were grouped with other East Asians who had lower heart disease risks.
Currently, the MASALA study is underway, involving over a thousand South Asian adults aged 40 to 84. This research, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, offers vital insights.
The study has revealed a crucial clue about the increased risk of heart disease among South Asians. They tend to accumulate fat around vital organs like the abdomen, liver, and heart. This unique fat distribution triggers inflammation and pathways leading to cholesterol buildup in blood vessels, despite South Asians often having a normal waist size.
Additionally, South East Asians have smaller heart blood vessels, possibly contributing to their vulnerability to blockages and a higher likelihood of needing bypass surgery.
Notably, 25% of heart attacks occur before age 40 for young South Asians, and 50% before age 50. While these stats aren't dramatically different from the overall population, South Asians develop coronary artery disease about a decade earlier on average.
Alarmingly, South Asians face a 40% higher risk of dying from heart attacks compared to the average population, with a major contributing factor being their twice-as-high rates of type 2 diabetes.
Based on these findings, the American Diabetes Association and the World Health Organization have suggested adjusting BMI standards for South Asians, aiming to better identify heart disease risks. They recommend a BMI of 23 for overweight and 27.5 for obesity in this group.
Key Points:
- South East Asians face a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, even with a normal body weight.
- The recommended BMI for South East Asians is 23 (compared to 25 for others) for improved risk detection and management.
- Early screening for heart disease and diabetes, especially in the early 30s, along with lower risk factor thresholds, is crucial for South East Asians.
- Conversations with healthcare providers are essential due to their limited awareness of the unique challenges faced by this group.
- Continued research and awareness efforts are needed to uncover specific triggers and address this health concern.
South East Asians include individuals with Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, or Malaysian heritage.
Do you know anyone dealing with early onset heart disease? Sharing your insights can contribute to raising awareness and improving health outcomes.
Comments