South Asian? Your Ethnicity Puts You At Greater Risk Of Heart Disease
Health Today Malaysia|August 2018

You’ve heard of fitness, lifestyle and food habits affecting your heart, but did you know that ethnicity could play a vital role in cardiovascular health too? South Asians, listen up! Increasingly, studies are pointing towards a correlation between ethnic origin (no matter where you live) and risk of cardiovascular or heart disease.

Dr Ramasami Nandakumar
South Asian? Your Ethnicity Puts You At Greater Risk Of Heart Disease

HOW IT ALL ADDS UP

South Asians, i.e., those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka are at a whopping four times greater risk of heart disease vs. the rest of the population1. With heart disease being the number one cause of death in the Indian subcontinent, it’s time individuals of South Asian descent pay attention to their cardiac health.

Reports of increased heart disease risk and increased mortality due to heart disease first emerged in Singapore in the 1950s2. Further studies emerged from other countries with significant South Asian immigrants – Canada3, UK4 and USA5 – which mirrored the results from Singapore. Heart disease occurs almost a decade earlier in South Asians and heart attacks when they occur are more severe and outcomes after an event are far worse. When blockages in heart vessels are discovered during angiograms, in South Asians, the blockages are longer, found in more vessels and are more severe(6,7). As the body of evidence continues to increase, strategies are evolving to deal with this epidemic in the South Asian population.

WHY IS THE RISK HIGHER FOR SOUTH ASIANS?

From a lower rate of consumption of fruit and vegetables to frequent use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with high trans-fat content and a greater consumption of fats, saturated fats, trans fats and processed fats; the relationship of heart disease with the South Asian diet is somewhat obvious.

But there’s more evidence against lifestyle in general. In India for instance, the average blood pressure has increased in the past two decades8, whereas in most Western nations it has declined. In the urban areas of India, the prevalence of diabetes has risen from two to 12 percent in the last 30 years!9

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2018 من Health Today Malaysia.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2018 من Health Today Malaysia.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HEALTH TODAY MALAYSIA مشاهدة الكل
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia

When Depression Strikes Teenagers

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2018
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
Health Today Malaysia

5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics

If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2019
Internet Safety For Children
Health Today Malaysia

Internet Safety For Children

There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2019
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Health Today Malaysia

A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Health Today Malaysia

Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities

Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
The Fertility Revolution
Health Today Malaysia

The Fertility Revolution

A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2017
6 Skin Myths Debunked
Health Today Malaysia

6 Skin Myths Debunked

A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Health Today Malaysia

Addiction: What You Don't Know

Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2017
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
Health Today Malaysia

Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!

With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017
Battling Two Cancers
Health Today Malaysia

Battling Two Cancers

Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017