Sen. Cory Booker Bill Addresses Heart Disease Among South Asians
India-West Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation that would establish a grant program aimed at strengthening cardiovascular research, promoting heart disease awareness, and improving health outcomes in the South Asian community in honor of American Heart Month.
The South Asian Heart Health Awareness Act would raise awareness about the alarming rates of heart disease for South Asians across the United States while also improving resources for all communities disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular diseases.
“Despite the heightened prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among South Asians, their risk for heart disease is not widely understood by the medical community,” said Senator Booker. “This bill is an important step toward promoting critical research on heart disease and supporting organizations working to improve heart health for at-risk communities across the nation. To reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease nationally, it is essential to invest in research into communities that are disproportionately at risk.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) had introduced companion legislation in the House last year.
The South Asian Heart Health Awareness Act would appropriate $2 million for each fiscal year between 2025 and 2029 in planning and implementing grants.
Pradeep Srivastava
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I appreciate this initiative. Heart disease among South Asians has been a chronic issue for a long time. The article, “ Care and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians” from stanfordhealthcare.org sheds some light on this topic. See below.
“Heart Disease in South Asians
Coronary artery disease and insulin resistance in South Asians
South Asians have the highest rate of hospitalization in California for coronary artery disease, four times higher than any other ethnic population.
People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease and stroke than those without diabetes. In South Asians, diabetes and insulin resistance affects up to 20% of the population.
Heart disease in young South Asians
25% of heart attacks occur under age 40 for young South Asians, and 50% occur under age 50.
South Asians develop coronary artery disease up to 10 years earlier than the general population, on average.
Coronary artery disease in South Asians
There is a 40% higher chance of mortality from heart attacks among South Asians than the average population.
March 5, 2024According to a WHO report, by 2020, South Asians will comprise 25% of the world’s population, but will suffer over 50% of the world’s cardiovascular deaths.
Certain heart diseases have a higher impact in South Asians than other ethnic groups, such as:…”