Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America

Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America

South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan) individuals have high rates of cardiovascular disease that is not explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Though South Asians represent over one-quarter of the world's population, there are no longitudinal studies in this high-risk ethnic group. The investigators aim to establish a longitudinal study of South Asians at three United States centers to identify risk factors linked to subclinical atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to understand the causes of heart disease and stroke in South Asians and compare these causes to those in other United States ethnic groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• South Asian ancestry defined by having at least 3 grandparents born in one of the following countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka
• age between 40 and 84 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physician diagnosed heart attack, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), heart failure, or angina (or use of nitroglycerin)
• Current atrial fibrillation
• Past history of cardiovascular procedures (coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) Surgery, angioplasty, valve replacement, pacemaker or defibrillator implantation, or any surgery on the heart or arteries)
• Active treatment for cancer
• Life expectancy less than 5 years due to serious medical illness
• Impaired cognitive ability as judged by the reviewer
• Plans to move out of the study region in next 5 years
• Weight greater than 300 pounds
• Living in a nursing home or on a waiting list
• Unable to speak/read/write English, Hindi, Urdu, or Bangla