Asian Indians around the world have the highest rate of heart disease. This is true even when they have low levels of traditional risk factors such as cholesterol.  Even non-smoking vegetarians under 40 who exercise regularly are often at high risk.

The death rates from heart disease among overseas Asian Indians have been 50% to 300% higher than Americans, Europeans, Chinese, and Japanese, irrespective of gender, religion, or social class. Similar trends are observed in major Indian cities where one in ten Indian suffers from heart disease.

During the past thirty years, the average age of a first heart attack increased by 10 years in the U.S., but decreased by 10 years in India. About 50% of all heart attacks among Asian Indian men occur under the age of 55 and 25% under the age of 40. Unfortunately, Indian women also share these high rates of heart disease.

Heart attacks strike many Indians at a relatively young age (40-60 years). Heart disease among Indians tends to be severe, malignant and diffuse (spread along an artery instead of in just one or two spots).  This means that, despite repeat surgeries, the blockages of arteries can often return and cause death.  Indians seem to be more vulnerable to heart disease because of a combination of heredity risk and lifestyle factors.

The good news is that heart disease has become highly predictable, preventable, and treatable.   We now have the technology, diagnostic tests and medications to help combat the disease.  This, in combination, with appropriate lifestyle changes can help you significantly reduce your risk factors for this dreaded disease.  Early prevention, detection and management of heart disease are vital. Talk to your physician today.