Prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in South Asians in the US: A clinical perspective from the National Lipid Association

Abstract

It is now well recognized that South Asians living in the US (SAUS) have a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that begins earlier and is more aggressive than age-matched people of other ethnicities. SA ancestry is now recognized as a risk enhancer in the US cholesterol treatment guidelines. The pathophysiology of this is not fully understood but may relate to insulin resistance, genetic and dietary factors, lack of physical exercise, visceral adiposity and other, yet undiscovered biologic mechanisms. In this expert consensus document, we review the epidemiology of ASCVD in this population, enumerate the challenges faced in tackling this problem, provide strategies for early screening and education of the community and their healthcare providers, and offer practical prevention strategies and culturally-tailored dietary advice to lower the rates of ASCVD in this cohort.

Keywords: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Coronary artery disease; Genetics; Lifestyle; Lp(a); Metabolic syndrome; Myocardial infarction; Primary prevention; Scientific statement; South Asian; Treatment.