A new study from Northwestern Medicine highlights the pressing need for targeted cardiovascular health interventions for U.S. South Asians, a population with a higher risk of heart problems compared to East Asians and non-Hispanic whites. The research, published in JAMA Cardiology, is the largest lifestyle-intervention trial for this rapidly growing ethnic group in the United States.
Dr. Namratha Kandula, lead investigator and professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes the significance of this trial in understanding how to support South Asian communities in managing their cardiovascular health. The study involved 549 participants and aimed to address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the South Asian community.
Surprisingly, the 16-week culturally tailored lifestyle program did not significantly reduce clinical cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels compared to the control group. However, participants reported improvements in their eating habits, physical activity, and confidence in making healthier choices.
The researchers attribute the limited clinical impact to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial’s duration, and the influence of environmental factors on South Asian health challenges. Dr. Kandula notes that the trial provided a valuable platform for community connection and support, highlighting the importance of social factors in sustaining health behavior changes.
This study underscores the complexity of addressing health disparities and the need for more refined approaches to improve cardiovascular health in the South Asian community. It also serves as a model for engaging diverse populations in clinical research, paving the way for more inclusive and effective health interventions.
See “US South Asians need targeted programs to improve heart health, study says” (September 11, 2024)
