South Asian Health Disparities
Find clinical insights and practical tips on how to address health disparities among this diverse population.
South Asian Health Disparities
There are nearly 5.4 million South Asians living in the United States.1 The South Asian community contains subgroups with differing socioeconomic statuses, health care practices, access to care, and patient-provider readiness. This makes it difficult to plan health care initiatives and address gaps in care.
While there is some data exploring South Asian health disparities, more research is needed to identify and address their unique needs.
Heart Disease
South Asians are at an increased risk of developing heart disease than the general population.2 They have a higher risk of developing heart disease at a younger age; 50 percent of heart attacks occur under age 50 while 25 percent of heart attacks occur under age 40.3
Mental health is fundamental to improving cardiac health among South Asians. First-generation South Asian immigrants face challenges such as immigration, acculturation, loneliness, and lack of family and social support.
The stigma of mental health is also a barrier to effective treatment. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and critical mental health interventions, which further prevents patients from achieving ideal cardiovascular health.
Type 2 Diabetes
South Asians are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even when they are considered to be normal weight or have what is traditionally thought of as a healthy BMI, compared to other ethnic populations, including White, Black, and Hispanic individuals.4 Therefore, diabetes screening for South Asians is suggested if BMI is 23 or greater.5
- 1
Demographic Snapshot of South Asians in the United States, Strengthening South Asian Communities in America. last accessed May 6, 2024, https://saalt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SAALT-Demographic-Snapshot-2019.pdf.
- 2
Why are South Asians dying of heart disease? MASALA looks for answers, May 17, 2023, https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/05/17/why-are-south-asians-dying-of-heart-disease-masala-looks-for-answers
- 3
Stanford South Asian Translational Heart Initiative, Stanford Healthcare, 2021, https://stanfordhealthcare.org.
- 4
Diabetes in South Asians: Uncovering Novel Risk Factors With Longitudinal Epidemiologic Data: Kelly West Award Lecture 2023, Diabetes Care, December 20, 2023, https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/1/7/154008/Diabetes-in-South-Asians-Uncovering-Novel-Risk
- 5
Diabetes in South Asians, American Diabetes Association, 2023, https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/1/7/154008/Diabetes-in-South-Asians-Uncovering-Novel-Risk
South Asian Health Disparities Resources
Health Disparities Brief
This brief highlights the importance of preventive care and screening, as well as close monitoring of these five areas of disparities:
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Maternal child health
South Asians and Heart Health: Take Control Now
South Asians have a four times greater risk of heart disease than the general population. Additionally, South Asians develop heart disease earlier than those of other descent2 and can have cardiovascular disease even with a normal BMI. It is important to understand these risk factors and screen appropriately for cardiovascular disease.
- 2
Why are South Asians dying of heart disease? MASALA looks for answers, May 17, 2023, https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/05/17/why-are-south-asians-dying-of-heart-disease-masala-looks-for-answers
South Asians and Heart Health: Take Control Now
Watch this educational video for health care providers and their patients about cardiovascular health risk factors and strategies to address them. Includes personal examples presented by Cigna Healthcare℠ employees. (Length: 00:03:59)
South Asian and Heart Health Facts: Do Your Patients Know Their Risk Factors?
This guide can help your patients understand their unique risk factors and encourage them to take an active role in their health care.