The UCLA South Asian Heart Program recently hosted a “Lunch and Learn: Strong Hearts, Strong Women” event at the Luskin Conference Center, bringing together physicians, community leaders, and community members to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease among South Asian women. The program focused on raising awareness, promoting prevention, and advancing culturally tailored care for a population known to face disproportionately high rates of cardiometabolic disease.
Experts emphasized that South Asians carry unique risks for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, making targeted education, early screening, and research essential. Dr. Dale Abel, Chair of Medicine at UCLA, highlighted the increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders and the urgent need to deepen scientific understanding in high-risk groups such as South Asians. He pointed to the complex links between diabetes, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Eve Glazier, an internist and host of the “Medically Speaking” podcast, underscored the importance of culturally relevant health communication. Wellness expert Dr. Amy Shah provided practical, evidence-based strategies for prevention and long-term health, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and sustainable behavioral changes. Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Chief of Cardiology at UCLA, addressed the elevated cardiovascular risk in South Asian populations and the lack of adequate representation in clinical studies, calling for more inclusive research and community-engaged science.
A panel discussion included UCLA physicians from cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition, and internal medicine. Dr. Ravi H. Dave, Director of the UCLA South Asian Heart Program and Jivrajka Family Foundation Chair, shared updates on the initiative’s growth and long-term vision, outlining efforts to build a comprehensive model integrating clinical care, research, education, and community outreach. The UCLA South Asian Heart Program was launched in 2025 within the Division of Cardiology.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://indiawest.com/ucla-program-highlights-womens-heart-health-in-south-asian-community/