South Asians Face Higher Heart Disease Risk Despite Better Diet
A groundbreaking US study has revealed a concerning health paradox affecting South Asians worldwide, including the growing diaspora communities across Africa and beyond. Despite maintaining healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices, people of South Asian descent face dramatically higher risks of diabetes and heart disease by age 45.
The research, which followed nearly 2,700 adults over a decade, paints a stark picture of health inequality that demands urgent attention from African health systems welcoming increasing South Asian populations.
The Numbers Tell a Troubling Story
By age 45, nearly one in three South Asian men had developed prediabetes, significantly higher than rates among other ethnic groups. South Asian women showed similar alarming trends, with almost one in five developing prediabetes in their mid-40s, roughly double that of women from other backgrounds.
Dr Namratha Kandula, senior author and professor at Northwestern University, called the 40s a "critical window" where risk is already high but disease remains preventable.
"This paradox tells us we're missing something fundamental about what is driving this elevated risk among South Asians," Kandula explained.
Early Life Factors Hold the Key
The study suggests that cardiovascular risks begin building much earlier in life, long before middle age symptoms appear. Childhood nutrition, environmental stressors, and early activity patterns may create metabolic vulnerabilities that surface decades later.
Previous research shows South Asians tend to carry more dangerous internal organ fat, even with normal body weight. This deep belly fat, often present from childhood, strongly links to insulin resistance and heart disease risk.
Global Health Implications
South Asians represent about 25% of the world's population but account for nearly 60% of heart disease patients globally. In the US, they develop atherosclerosis nearly a decade earlier than the general population.
Dr Ambuj Roy from All India Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed: "The study reinforces what Indian clinicians have long suspected, cardiovascular risk factors show up earlier in this population, including among the diaspora."
Call for Proactive Healthcare
The findings strongly support earlier screening for South Asian adults. Healthcare systems across Africa, where South Asian communities continue to grow, must adapt their approaches to address these unique health challenges.
"Clinicians should start looking for high blood sugar, high blood pressure and other risk factors before midlife," Kandula emphasized. "Early detection and treatment can help prevent heart disease."
This research highlights the critical need for culturally informed healthcare approaches that recognize genetic and environmental factors affecting different populations. As Africa's healthcare systems evolve, understanding these disparities becomes essential for providing equitable care to all communities.