Keeping your heart healthy
South Asian Americans have the highest death rate from heart disease compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S., researchers say
Issue #65
Hi all —
American Heart Month is a reminder of why maintaining good health is wealth. Today may be the first day of March (February is American Heart Month), but with heart disease remaining the #1 leading documented cause of death in the United States, it’s an evergreen issue year round.
As noted every year in this newsletter, heart issues are especially of concern for people of South Asian descent. South Asians account for 60% of all heart disease cases worldwide, even though — at about 2 billion people — we make up only a quarter of the planet’s population.
In the United States, the leading Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study notes how South Asians have the highest death rate from heart disease compared to other ethnic groups. Additionally, Stanford experts note “25% of heart attacks occur under age 40 for young South Asians, and 50% occur under age 50.”
MASALA’s principal investigator, Dr. Alka Kanaya, shared a couple recent research findings:
People with diabetes had a higher burden of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up and hardening inside your arteries), especially if they are South Asian. So controlling blood glucose levels in South Asians is important to prevent more problems with heart disease. (Read the study)
Eating foods consistent with the DASH diet (lower salt, more fresh fruit/veggies, low animal fat) helps to lower the risk of developing high blood pressure over time. (Read the study)
MASALA has more health tips on its site, as well.
Thanks for joining the conversation,
Vignesh Ramachandran (@VigneshR)
Co-founder of Red, White and Brown Media
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