Asian Indians
- Asian Indians have the highest rates of coronary artery disease (CAD) despite the fact that nearly half of them are life-long vegetarians and smoking is uncommon among women.1 India is home to 1.2 billion people and another 27 million live outside the country, including 2.5 million in the US.2 The risk of developing and dying from CAD among Asian Indians worldwide are 40% to 400% higher than people of other ethnic origin.3
- The CAD rates among immigrants are usually intermediate between those of the country of origin and the country of immigration.4 In virtually all populations, the CAD rates blend with those of the adopted country in two to three successive generations, depending upon the degree and speed of acculturation, as well as the prevailing rates in the respective countries.
See Asian Indian Heart Disease.
Sources
1. Enas EA. How to Beat the Heart Disease Epidemic among South Asians: A Prevention and Management Guide for Asian Indians and their Doctors. Downers Grove: Advanced Heart Lipid Clinic USA; 2011.
2. Enas EA, Yusuf S, Mehta J. Prevalence of coronary artery disease in Asian Indians. Am J Cardiol. 1992;70:945 – 949.
3. Enas EA, Yusuf S, Sharma S. Coronary artery disease in South Asians. Second meeting of the International Working Group. 16 March 1997, Anaheim, California. Indian Heart J. Jan-Feb 1998;50(1):105-113.
4. Enas EA, Yusuf S, Mehta J. Meeting of International Working Group on coronary artery disease in South Asians. Indian Heart J. 1996;48:727-732.