News Summary
UCLA has initiated a heart health program aimed at the South Asian community to address the significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases among this demographic. Led by Dr. Ravi Dave, this program emphasizes early screenings, education, and culturally sensitive care. With outreach planned across various community sites, the initiative aims to provide free health services to combat the alarming rates of heart disease in South Asians, who face risks up to four times higher than the general population.
Los Angeles – In a groundbreaking initiative, UCLA has launched the region’s first heart health program specifically catering to the South Asian community, addressing a critical healthcare gap. This program aims to combat the alarming reality that individuals of South Asian descent face a cardiovascular disease risk that is up to four times higher than the general population.
The importance of this program is magnified in Southern California, home to one of the largest South Asian populations in the United States. Led by Dr. Ravi Dave, an acclaimed interventional cardiologist, the program is designed to tackle the elevated heart health risks often neglected despite the community’s academic and professional achievements. South Asians tend to experience heart disease at younger ages, and with more severe complications, making this program not just timely but essential.
Statistical data highlights that South Asians, who constitute approximately a quarter of the global population, account for more than half of heart disease cases worldwide. Factors contributing to this troubling trend include dietary habits that lean heavily towards fried foods and carbohydrates, sedentary lifestyles, and underlying genetic predispositions. Dr. Dave has pointed to the “Thrifty Gene” theory, which suggests that ancestral traits that favored fat retention for survival have persisted in modern times, leading to increased health risks.
An alarming issue within this demographic is that body mass index (BMI) readings may appear normal while concealing dangerous belly fat linked to cardiovascular diseases. This underscores the necessity of targeted screenings and education, which the UCLA program aims to provide. The initiative is focused on early intervention and health promotion, particularly for younger individuals in their 20s and 30s, who are crucial to breaking the cycle of heart health issues.
To make this health initiative accessible, the UCLA program will conduct outreach at ten community sites, including temples, mosques, churches, and local community centers over the next six months. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain free blood pressure screenings and blood tests through a mobile health unit equipped by UCLA. Furthermore, the program will offer free consultations, both in-person and online, and will accommodate lab work completed elsewhere, ensuring that within this multifaceted approach, access to care is made simpler for participants.
The South Asian Heart Program is structured to prioritize early diagnosis, proactive treatments, and culturally sensitive health management, alongside long-term health education. A multidisciplinary clinical care team will provide comprehensive health services tailored specifically for South Asian patients, ensuring they receive knowledgeable and effective care. Rapid evaluations and access to specialized care available across Southern California are integral components of the program’s framework.
Dr. Ravi Dave, who brings over 20 years of experience at UCLA and holds board certifications in both Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases, is committed to advancing heart health within the South Asian community. Through this initiative, UCLA takes a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for preventative heart health strategies tailored to a demographic that is often overlooked.
This innovative program not only focuses on immediate health concerns but also aims to cultivate awareness and understanding about heart health in the South Asian community, ultimately working towards a healthier future for individuals who face disproportionately high risks of cardiovascular issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kern County School Faces Vaccine Concerns Ahead of Field Trips
IHG Hotels & Resorts Ranks No. 17 on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025
Brightview Employees Celebrate Unique Workplace Culture
Quarterback Shift in the Spotlight: A New Era Begins for UCLA
CHLA Expands Mental Health Services for Infants
Tragic Loss in Los Angeles: Influencer and Nurse Hailey Okula Passes Away After Childbirth
California Business Updates: Innovation and Challenges
California Lawmakers Propose Changes to Film Tax Credit Program
California Partners with Planet Labs to Combat Methane Emissions
Additional Resources
- LAist
- Wikipedia: Heart disease
- American Bazaar Online
- Google Search: South Asian heart health
- India West
- Google Scholar: South Asian heart disease
- India Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart disease
- Daily Bruin
- Google News: UCLA South Asian heart program
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
