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Coronary artery disease in Asians
J Rajadurai1, J Arokiasamy, K Pasamanickam
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Young Indians exhibit a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to other ethnic groups, even in premature atherosclerosis. This disparity is not explained by common risk factors, suggesting unique underlying causes for CAD in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) shows a notable racial predisposition among Indian populations.
- This ethnic difference in CAD prevalence has been observed in older patients and requires investigation in younger demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of premature atherosclerosis in a young Asian Indian population.
- To compare CAD risk factors between young Indian and non-Indian individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a small cohort of young patients with premature atherosclerosis.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical data, including traditional CAD risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia), and fasting triglyceride levels between Indian and non-Indian patients.
Main Results:
- A racial difference in premature atherosclerosis was observed in the young Asian population.
- Common CAD risk factors did not explain this racial disparity.
- Young Indians had significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels compared to non-Indians (p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a racial preponderance of CAD in young Indians, unexplained by conventional risk factors.
- Elevated fasting triglyceride levels may play a role, though their significance as an independent CAD risk factor remains debated.
- Medical management led to good one-year survival rates in the majority of these young patients.