http://www.mercurynews.com/campbell/ci_27322111/los-gatos-saratoga-south-asian-heart-center-opens?source=infinite
Los Gatos-Saratoga: South Asian Heart Center opens By Judy Peterson jpeterson@community-newspapers.com Updated: 01/14/2015 06:00:51 PM PST
MercuryNews.com
Click photo to enlarge El Camino Hospital officials say the incidence of heart disease and diabetes among South Asians has reached epidemic proportions, so it has opened a South Asian Heart Center in Los Gatos to better serve the ever-growing population of people coming here from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. El Camino's first South Asian Heart Center opened in Mountain View in 2006. Last April, a center opened in Milpitas, and another is scheduled to open in San Jose's Evergreen area this month. The heart centers offer preventive programs that help individuals reduce their risk of having a heart attack or developing diabetes. "We're seeing problems in people who are in their 20s and 30s," the heart center's Priya Dharan said. "El Camino first saw it happening in the emergency room, and subsequent discussions showed there was something going on." That "something" showed an elevated risk for heart disease and diabetes among South Asians that is two to four times greater than other ethnic populations' risk factors. It's estimated that more than half of the heart attacks among South Asians occur before age 55. The problem is blamed on a combination of genetics, the environment and behavior. "We are vegetarians, so we think we're healthy," Dharan said. "What I've learned is we need to add whole grains and green vegetables to our diets." Simple grains such as white rice and potatoes are a no-no, with individuals who join the program provided with a personalized diet. "Thirty percent of people respond to a low carb diet, and 30 percent respond to a low fat diet," heart center executive director Ashish Mathur said. "People aren't getting enough nutrient-dense foods." Mathur had a heart attack when he was 44 years old. "It took me completely by surprise," he said. Mathur went on to say that before the program his "deadly" cholesterol level, known as Lp(a), was elevated, putting him in a high risk category. "If you have elevated Lp(a) and one other risk factor your risk multiplies five times," Mathur said. "If you have Lp(a) with three risk factors it multiplies 120 times." So people who enroll in the heart center's program will be given a blood test that's more in depth than the usual fasting blood test. It evaluates an individual's risk for developing heart disease and exposes hidden risks as well. An individual's medical and family health history are also taken. "We have a family history, so my dad went through the program for preventive reasons and now I'm in good hands," 19-year-old Ninad Bhat said. He was a program intern last summer and said, "It's a big thing in the South Asian community." Page 1 of 2
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http://www.mercurynews.com/campbell/ci_27322111/los-gatos-saratoga-south-asian-heart-center-opens?source=infinite
Since the program began in 2006, more than 5,000 people have been screened for their risks. An estimated 50,000 have received information about it because health center employees speak to community groups and businesses about the program. There is a one-time $49 processing fee, with many costs covered by insurance. In addition to the specialized screenings and diet recommendations, the one year program includes lifestyle counseling focused on sleep, exercise and meditation. The Los Gatos South Asian Heart Center is at 777 Knowles Drive, Suite 17A. Visit southasianheartcenter.org or call 650.940.7242 for more information.
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Jan 27, 2015 12:06:15AM MST