Heart Health & Disease in South Asians: What Every South Asian Family Needs to Know

Yes. Statins lower LDL and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Whether to start a statin can also depend on your overall risk, including age, diabetes, and your calcium score. A calcium score of zero, may not support statin whereas a score of 100 does.

Often yes, especially if you already have heart disease, diabetes, or a calcium score over 100. In those cases, lifelong statin use clearly lowers risk. For others, it depends on your indication and future cholesterol profile.

Mild muscle aches are possible. Severe complications like rhabdomyolysis are very rare. Always report new symptoms to your doctor.

Statins may increase calcification but stabilize plaques, making them less dangerous. Ultimately, the goal is stabilizing plaque and reducing adverse events like a heart attack.

Fasting gives the most accurate triglyceride results.

Exercise, not smoking, and weight control can help. But the main focus should be on lowering LDL, since raising HDL has not clearly been shown to reduce risk.

No, statins don’t reduce your Lp(a) level any appreciable level. However, they can reduce your overall risk of heart attack or stroke because they help reduce LDL.

Clinical trials for Lp(a)-lowering drugs are ongoing, but since we don’t currently have a medicine to treat Lp(a), it is best to focus on reducing your overall cardiovascular disease risk through increased activity, eating a better diet, and other risk factors.

Lp(a) is usually measured once in a lifetime, especially if there is family history of early heart disease.

A calcium score is a CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the heart arteries. It helps predict risk. Usually, a score of zero means a low risk, and a score above 100 typically means a person may benefit from statins.The cost is variable but could be anywhere from $100-$400.

Typically, the calcium itself can not be lowered. The goal is to slow progression and reduce risk with lifestyle and medicines.

Generally statins are recommended when calcium scores are elevated, though the decision should be discussed with your doctor.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts.

High intake of saturated fats raises LDL and heart risk. Using these fats once in a while is fine, but don’t cook every meal with ghee or butter. Use unsaturated fats like olive and avocado oils in moderation.

All LDL particles, regardless of size, contribute to plaque buildup and cardiovascular risk. Scientific evidence shows reducing saturated fat and lowering LDL cholesterol overall reduces risk.

One egg per day is generally safe for most healthy people. But talk to your doctor, especially if you have diabetes or high cholesterol.

Small amounts of lean red meat are acceptable, but frequent intake raises risk. Plant proteins, fish, and poultry are healthier choices.

Strong evidence shows that chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma increase the risk of high blood pressure, unhealthy habits, and heart disease. Treating mental health and reducing stress are important parts of protecting heart health.

Yes. Family history of early heart disease is a significant risk factor. You should get screened earlier, monitor cholesterol and blood pressure, and focus on healthy lifestyle habits to lower risk.