Addressing ASCVD Risks in South Asians in the U.S.: A Scientific Statement

This population's heightened risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease can be explained by the higher prevalence of risk factors, especially those related to insulin resistance.

Sponsoring Organization: American Heart Association (AHA)

Background and Objective

South Asians (individuals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) have higher proportional mortality from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) than other Asian populations and non-Hispanic whites. This Scientific Statement focuses on the impact of risk factors in this population and makes recommendations for clinical strategies and future research.

Key Points

South Asians in the U.S. have higher hospitalization and mortality rates from ASCVD than other racial/ethnic minority groups.
Both biologic and nonbiologic factors likely explain this heightened ASCVD risk.
Perhaps the most significant risk factors are type 2 dia…

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)