From Ethnicity to Lifestyle: Understanding Heart Disease Risk in South East Asians

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with preventive cardiologist Dr. Sourbha Dani to discuss the growing epidemic of premature heart disease in South Asian communities around the world.Dr. Dani explains why many South Asians develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease at younger ages, why BMI can be misleading, and why being "healthy on paper" doesn't always tell the full story. He also shares how lifestyle choices can dramatically influence long-term risk—even in individuals with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.The discussion covers the concept of the "thin-fat phenotype," where individuals may appear lean while carrying excess visceral fat and significant metabolic risk. Next week, Part 2 dives into advanced testing, cholesterol markers, risk assessment tools, statins, and the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in cardiovascular prevention.If you're interested in optimizing your metabolic health, understanding your cardiovascular risk, or learning how to prevent disease before it starts, this episode is a must-listen.Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here:https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrinehttps://unifiedendocrinecare.com/https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/Email: [email protected] Dr. Dani here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourbhadani/https://physicians.lahey.org/details/4012Dr. Dani is a non-invasive cardiologist with a special focus on prevention and premature heart disease at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. He serves as the Program Director for the Cardiovascular Fellowship, Director of Inpatient Cardiac Services, Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, and Co-Director of the region's first South Asian Metabolic Program.He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Tufts University. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Dani is a cardiovascular outcomes and healthcare economics researcher, collaborating with the Smith Center for Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and the Center for Cardiovascular Research (CVER) at Tufts University.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!