Vascular risk factors in South Asians
Konstantinos Tziomalos1, Charitha N Weerasinghe, Dimitri P Mikhailidis
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Vascular Prevention Clinic, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free University College Medical School, University of London, London, UK.
Abstract:
South Asians originate from the Indian sub-continent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal) and represent one fifth of the world's population. Several studies suggested that South Asians have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) when compared with European populations. We review the role of traditional and emerging risk factors in the increased CHD risk in South Asians. The high prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asians may be a major cause for their elevated vascular risk. However, other established and emerging risk factors are also overrepresented in South Asians. Large-scale prospective studies could determine the relative contribution of established and emerging vascular risk factors in South Asians. There is an urgent need for trials in South Asians that will evaluate clinical outcomes following treatment of these risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Vascular Resistance
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
