Cardiovascular diseases and sleep disorders in South Asians: A scoping review

South Asians comprise 20% of the world population. There is a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among South Asians, and sleep disorders may be a key risk factor.

The review examined literature about cardiovascular and sleep disorders in South Asian countries and in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Methods from Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Peter et al. were used to synthesize findings from 23 research studies.

The studies addressed sleep disorders with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and obesity. Obstructive sleep apnea and short sleep duration were common and associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at early ages in South Asians. Researchers analyzed polysomnography-derived sleep measures, vascular functions, polymorphisms, C-reactive protein levels, public knowledge about cardiovascular health, and sleep-related questionnaire scores. Most studies were conducted in major metropolitan areas; no data were available about people living in locations with limited health care resources. Among migrant South Asians, researchers did not explore the role of acculturation on sleep patterns and cardiovascular outcomes.

The review highlights important considerations for researchers who plan to investigate cardiovascular conditions in South Asian communities. There is a need for more knowledge about sleep-related risk factors, and researchers should also examine cultural, political, and socioeconomic factors that affect health care access. This knowledge will be imperative for designing effective and tailored disease prevention strategies for South Asian populations.