UCLA Launches Heart Health Program for South Asians

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Participants engaging in free heart health screenings at UCLA's outreach program.

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.