A groundbreaking study has revealed that South Asians may face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to a decreased ability to repair blood vessels, potentially explaining the observed disparities in heart disease prevalence and severity between South Asians and white Europeans. Conducted by researchers and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study compared stem cell levels involved in blood vessel regeneration between individuals of South Asian and white European descent. Findings indicated that South Asians possess lower levels of these critical stem cells, suggesting a biological underpinning for their increased cardiovascular risk.
South Asians, representing a significant portion of the global population, have been found to have double the heart disease risk compared to their European counterparts, with complications arising at younger ages. This study, part of a broader effort to understand and address health disparities, could pave the way for more tailored treatments, including the prioritization of medications that aid in blood vessel repair for this high-risk group.
Subodh Verma, a cardiovascular surgeon at Unity Health Toronto and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding the biological mechanisms contributing to the accelerated heart disease trajectory in younger South Asians. The research highlights the need for further investigation to confirm these findings and potentially revolutionize treatment approaches for South Asians, a group that has historically been underrepresented in cardiovascular research[1].
This study not only contributes to the growing awareness of the unique cardiovascular risks faced by South Asians but also underscores the critical need for inclusive research that can lead to equitable health outcomes for all racial and ethnic groups.
See “Stem cell study offers clue to South Asians’ increased risk of cardiovascular disease” by Elaine Chen on the STAT News website (February 12, 2024)
