Understanding heart disease causes in South Asians in America

Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America

Observational University of California, San Francisco · NCT01207167

This study is trying to find out what causes heart disease in South Asians living in America to better understand their unique health risks.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2314 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations3 sites (San Francisco, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01207167 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on South Asian individuals living in the United States, who have high rates of cardiovascular disease that are not fully explained by traditional risk factors. The research aims to establish a longitudinal study across three centers to identify risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and the incidence of cardiovascular disease in this population. By comparing these findings with other ethnic groups in the U.S., the study seeks to enhance understanding of the unique cardiovascular risks faced by South Asians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are South Asian individuals aged 40 to 84 with at least three grandparents from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant cardiovascular events or procedures, or those with serious medical conditions affecting life expectancy, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases in South Asian populations.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited longitudinal research specifically targeting South Asians, studies on cardiovascular risk factors in diverse populations have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* South Asian ancestry defined by having at least 3 grandparents born in one of the following countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka
* age between 40 and 84 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physician diagnosed heart attack, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), heart failure, or angina (or use of nitroglycerin)
* Current atrial fibrillation
* Past history of cardiovascular procedures (coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) Surgery, angioplasty, valve replacement, pacemaker or defibrillator implantation, or any surgery on the heart or arteries)
* Active treatment for cancer
* Life expectancy less than 5 years due to serious medical illness
* Impaired cognitive ability as judged by the reviewer
* Plans to move out of the study region in next 5 years
* Weight greater than 300 pounds
* Living in a nursing home or on a waiting list
* Unable to speak/read/write English, Hindi, Urdu, or Bangla

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AtherosclerosisCardiovascular DiseasesHeart DiseasesCoronary Artery DiseaseCoronary Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.