Heart Disease in the South Asian Population: What to Know

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 roughly 25% of the global population and account for a disproportionate 60% of the world's heart disease burden.

Here are some alarming statistics about heart disease in the South Asian community:

• South Asians account for nearly 60% of the world’s population living with heart disease.
• South Asians are four times more likely to be hospitalized from coronary artery disease compared to any other ethnic group.
• South Asians face a heart disease mortality rate of approximately 40% in the United States.
• Heart disease 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.

Some of the most common cardiac conditions among South Asian people include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, coronary artery disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These conditions often affect men at an earlier age than women.

Emerging evidence also shows that South Asians often have elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), both of which are powerful markers of atherosclerotic risk that are not always captured on a standard lipid panel. These advanced biomarkers can help identify risk earlier, particularly in individuals who appear otherwise healthy.

South Asian Culture & Lifestyle

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 disease becomes advanced.

Several cultural and lifestyle factors prevalent in South Asian communities significantly contribute to the increased risk of heart disease:

• Diet: 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.
• Stress: High-stress professions are common in South Asian communities, and the pressure of balancing demanding careers with family and personal responsibilities can lead to chronic stress. Over time, this prolonged stress can raise blood pressure, disrupt sleep and strain the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Stigma: Health concerns are often minimized or delayed, particularly among men, leading symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath to be overlooked until disease becomes advanced. As a result, men may experience symptoms but avoid discussing them with others or seek medical care until the condition becomes serious. Symptoms are often blamed on being tired from work rather than recognized as potential indicators of health issues including heart disease.

Preventative Measures

The encouraging news is that small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference.

Dietary Improvements

• It’s absolutely possible to enjoy beloved South Asian dishes while maintaining a heart-healthy diet. One of the most important steps is practicing portion control, which helps prevent overconsumption of fats and calories. Many individuals of South Asian descent already follow largely vegetarian diets, which can be beneficial since vegetables are naturally lower in sodium, fat, and calories. Reducing the amount of oil and salt used in cooking can make these meals healthier.
• The key is to make simple, mindful substitutions without giving up the flavors you love. For example, try using brown rice instead of white rice, and opt for heart-healthy oils like olive or mustard oil in place of ghee. These small adjustments can make a big difference in supporting long-term heart health without sacrificing cultural connection or taste.

Physical Activity

• Getting at least 30 minutes of movement each day is a meaningful step toward better health. You don’t always need to go to a gym – walking around your neighborhood, practicing yoga, or dancing are all simple, low-impact ways to bring more activity into your daily routine.
• Regular movement can help reduce body fat, especially around the abdominal area, which is important for heart health. It also offers other valuable benefits, like lowering blood sugar, improving mental well-being and boosting circulation.
• Staying active doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent efforts can go a long way in supporting your heart and helping you feel your best.

Reducing Stress

• It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed at times. Balancing work, family, and the demands of daily life can take a toll. But finding small moments to pause, breathe, and care for yourself can make a big difference in your heart health.
• Try to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, even if it’s just for a few hours every week. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and consider gentle practices like meditation or deep breathing to help calm your mind. Spending time with loved ones or simply talking to someone you trust can also ease stress and help you process your thoughts and emotions.
• If things start to feel difficult to manage, it’s always okay to ask for help. Speaking with a therapist or mental health professional is a strong step toward reducing stress and improving your mental health.

Knowing Your Numbers

• Understanding your health starts with knowing your numbers. Checking your blood pressure and blood sugar, even at home, can help you catch early signs of heart-related issues. Once you’re over 35, it’s a good idea to get annual screenings for blood pressure, lipid panel, blood sugar, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
• These numbers give you a clearer picture of your heart health and help your doctor guide you toward the right steps — whether that’s adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, or starting treatment early.
• For higher-risk South Asian individuals, additional tools such as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring or coronary CT angiography (CCTA) may help detect early plaque buildup before symptoms occur. These imaging tools, along with advanced markers like lipoprotein(a) and ApoB, allow for more personalized, risk-based prevention strategies.
• Staying informed is one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart health. The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center offers its “Know Your Numbers” online resource to help you track key health indicators and understand healthy ranges for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1c.

Advancing Heart Health in South Asian Communities

At MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, we support South Asian communities through culturally informed education, prevention and access to high-quality cardiovascular care. As one of the region’s leading heart and vascular programs — recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Failure — we offer personalized prevention, advanced diagnostics and comprehensive care grounded in patient and family centered support. Our commitment is reflected in the ways we engage, educate and empower South Asian individuals and families with heart health resources that truly resonate with their needs and experiences. Our commitment is reflected in the ways we engage, educate and empower South Asian individuals and families with heart‑health resources that truly resonate with their needs and experiences.

In addition to my clinical work, I am actively building a coalition across Southern California focused on improving cardiovascular outcomes in South Asian communities through education, screening, research, and community-based partnerships.

Community-Based Practices

• South Asian communities are deeply rooted in family and community. Time is often spent together, whether through community organizations, cultural events, or places of worship. Because of this strong communal fabric, bringing cardiovascular education and services directly into these trusted spaces can be a powerful step forward.
• At MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, we recognize that meaningful care begins with meeting people where they are. Through partnerships with South Asian organizations and culturally tailored outreach, we engage individuals in familiar settings — including cultural centers and community events — where trust already exists. This approach expands access to life-saving heart health resources and fosters open dialogue, leading to earlier interventions and healthier outcomes for a population disproportionately affected by heart disease.

Revising Guidelines

• Current heart health standards used in the U.S. are often based on data from white populations, which may not accurately reflect the risks faced by other ethnic groups. For example, South Asian individuals are at significantly higher risk for developing heart disease, often at a younger age and healthy body weight. This means that standard thresholds for cholesterol, blood pressure, and other markers may not be sufficient to detect early risk amongst the South Asian population.
• Clinical guidelines should be tailored to reflect these differences as it will become easier for individuals to identify risks earlier and take preventive action. Personalized, population-specific guidelines are a critical step toward equitable and effective care.

Offering Support

• Especially for South Asian men, it’s important to encourage open conversations about health and well-being early on. Cultural norms and stigma around vulnerability can often discourage men from speaking up or seeking care.
• Whether it’s with a loved one or a healthcare provider, creating space for honest dialogue can lead to earlier detection and prevention, and stronger long-term outcomes.

Start your heart health journey with MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center offers personalized prevention programs developed by world-renowned physicians to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care. We have free online resources available to help you better understand and care for your cardiovascular health. From expert information to preventive care tools, you can explore a range of services designed to support your heart health journey.

Take advantage of our Heart Risk Assessment to learn more about your personal cardiac risk factors and the steps you can take to protect your heart. 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 the Author

Kevin S. Shah, M.D., is a board-certified cardiologist and Program Director of Heart Failure Outreach at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from the UC Irvine School of Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency at UC San Diego, and pursued advanced cardiovascular training in Los Angeles. Dr. Shah is certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, advanced heart failure, and echocardiography. He is a co-author of the American Heart Association Scientific Statement on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in South Asians and has published extensively on cardiometabolic risk in this population. He provides comprehensive care for patients with a range of complex heart conditions. He is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, culturally informed cardiovascular care and is passionate about improving heart health outcomes across Southern California’s diverse communities.