UCLA Health Launches Much Needed Program To Address Heart Disease Among South Asians

Photo: www.uclahealth.org

India-West Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES, CA – Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with an alarming rise in mortality rates each year. South Asians, despite representing just 25% of the global population, account for more than 50% of cardiovascular deaths, disproportionately bearing the brunt of this growing health crisis.

In response to this urgent issue, UCLA Health has established the South Asian Heart Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by South Asian communities.

Set to launch in 2025 and housed within the Division of Cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, the South Asian Heart Program will study the critical questions surrounding cardiac biology and cardiovascular medicine.

The program’s overarching goal will be to prevent heart disease in South Asians and other high-risk populations through early diagnosis, proactive treatment, and culturally sensitive care.

The program will offer tailored, long-term health education, focusing on individualized plans to promote lasting cardiovascular well-being. It will provide multidisciplinary clinical care by a team of experts specifically designed for patients of South Asian descent, ensuring that care is both comprehensive and culturally competent.

Additionally, the program will emphasize early diagnosis and risk assessment to detect heart disease at its earliest stages, ultimately aiming to reduce future cardiac risks. Patients will also receive expert guidance in the management and treatment of known heart conditions, enhancing long-term health outcomes. To support its patients further, the program will offer rapid evaluations, advanced imaging, and access to specialized care across Southern California.

Dr. Ravi Dave, M.D., a leading figure in interventional cardiology, will serve as the Director of the UCLA Interventional Cardiology and Fellowship Program.

Dave, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, will specialize in heart disease prevention, treatment of complex coronary artery conditions, and early detection methods. His efforts will focus on developing patient education programs and community engagement to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, particularly within South Asian communities.

Dave’s leadership will be supported by the Jivrajka Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Interventional Cardiology, established by Drs. Vinod and Jayashree Jivrajka. Their generous donation will serve as a catalyst for advancing cardiovascular disease prevention efforts for the South Asian community.

For more information on the South Asian Heart Program and its initiatives: www.uclahealth.org