Published on Jan. 5, 2026
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, but for the South Asian community, the risk is disproportionately high and often underrecognized. As a cardiologist and a member of the South Asian community, I am passionate about raising awareness of the unique and preventable cardiovascular challenges faced by South Asians, particularly the impact of diabetes and insulin resistance.
Nearly six million South Asians live in the United States, and research consistently shows they face a higher risk of heart disease than most other major ethnic groups. In fact, South Asians account for nearly 60% of the global population living with heart disease and are up to four times more likely to be hospitalized for coronary artery disease compared with other populations.
Heart disease also tends to appear earlier in South Asians, sometimes in the 30s and 40s, driven by a combination of genetics, metabolic risk factors, and lifestyle patterns. Diabetes and insulin resistance affect up to 20% of South Asians, significantly increasing the risk of both heart disease and stroke—even in individuals who may appear healthy by traditional measures like body weight.
Culture plays an important role in heart health. Many traditional South Asian meals are nutritious, but they are sometimes prepared with excess ghee, refined carbohydrates, or added sugars, which can raise cardiometabolic risk. Chronic stress is another major contributor. High-pressure careers, family responsibilities, and cultural expectations can place ongoing strain on the heart. Additionally, health concerns are often minimized or delayed, particularly among men, leading symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath to be overlooked until the disease becomes advanced.
The encouraging news is that small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference. Mindful eating does not mean giving up cultural foods. Portion awareness and simple substitutions—such as choosing brown rice or whole grains, limiting added oils, and using heart-healthier options like olive or mustard oil—can significantly reduce risk. Many South Asian diets are already rich in vegetables, lentils, and legumes, which provide a strong foundation for heart health.
Physical activity is equally important. Just 30 minutes of movement a day—whether walking, yoga, or dancing—can lower blood sugar, reduce abdominal fat, and improve cardiovascular fitness. Managing stress is just as critical. Prioritizing sleep, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and maintaining strong social connections all support both heart and mental well-being.
Understanding heart health starts with knowing your numbers. Regular screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, waist circumference, and body fat distribution is especially important for South Asians, often beginning by age 35 or earlier if there is a family history. In some individuals—particularly those with diabetes or a strong family history—additional tools such as coronary artery calcium scans, advanced cholesterol markers like lipoprotein(a) or ApoB, or specialized heart imaging may help uncover hidden risk before symptoms appear.
Our team at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute is committed to personalized, prevention-focused care, offering education, risk assessment, and community outreach to support long-term cardiovascular health. By increasing awareness and encouraging early action, we can help South Asian families protect their hearts—not just for today, but for future generations.
About Kevin Shah, M.D., FACC, FHFSA, director of Heart Failure Outreach, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center:
Kevin Shah, M.D., FACC, FHFSA is a fellowship trained, board-certified cardiologist who specializes in Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. He also serves as MHVI Program Director, Heart Failure Outreach to bring patient care and expertise to serve Southern California’s diverse communities.
He is passionate about improving heart disease within the South Asian community due to the premature loss of his father due to heart failure from a heart attack. “I love being a cardiologist,” Dr. Shah notes. “It means a great deal to me to help the community, either to prevent heart disease or manage existing heart disease. I have clinical expertise intaking care of patients with advanced heart failure, so that I especially enjoy helping these particularly vulnerable patients.”
Beyond general cardiology and heart failure expertise, Dr. Shah has clinical expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of infiltrative and genetic cardiomyopathies, including Cardiac Amyloidosis, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Cardiac Sarcoidosis.
