Every year, thousands of South Asians suffer heart attacks in their 40s and 50s—despite "normal" cholesterol levels and no obvious warning signs. The reason? A critical heart test that most doctors never order.
Why South Asians Face Higher Heart Disease Risk
If you're of South Asian descent—Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, or Nepali—your risk of developing coronary artery disease is significantly higher than other populations. Studies show South Asians experience heart attacks 5-10 years earlier than Caucasians, often with traditional risk factors appearing "normal."
Standard cholesterol panels and blood pressure readings don't tell the whole story. Many South Asian patients with textbook-perfect labs still develop life-threatening blockages.
The Hidden Danger:
South Asians tend to have higher levels of small, dense LDL particles, elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], increased inflammation, and greater insulin resistance—even when standard tests look fine.
The One Heart Test Most Doctors Miss
According to Dr. Sripathi Reddy Kethu, a board-certified gastroenterologist and health advocate based in Richardson, Texas, the test every South Asian should ask for is the Coronary Calcium Score (CAC).
What is a Coronary Calcium Score?
A Coronary Calcium Score is a quick, non-invasive CT scan that measures the amount of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries. Calcium deposits indicate plaque—the stuff that causes heart attacks.
- CAC Score of 0: Very low risk
- CAC Score 1-99: Mild disease
- CAC Score 100-399: Moderate disease
- CAC Score 400+: Severe disease
Unlike cholesterol tests that show risk factors, the CAC score reveals actual disease already present in your arteries.
Why Don't Doctors Order It?
Most primary care physicians follow general population guidelines, which recommend CAC screening for intermediate-risk patients aged 40-75. But these guidelines don't account for the uniquely elevated risk in South Asians.
Many South Asian men and women in their 30s and 40s have significant coronary calcium—but never get screened until after a heart attack.
🎥 Watch Dr. Kethu explain heart disease risk in South Asians
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Dr. Kethu, who practices in Richardson, Texas (serving the Dallas area), has been vocal about the need for better heart disease prevention in the South Asian community. Through his YouTube channel and community outreach, he emphasizes:
- Proactive screening starting in your 30s
- Aggressive management of prediabetes
- Plant-forward diets with reduced refined carbohydrates
- Regular exercise and stress management
"Don't wait until your cholesterol is high or you feel chest pain," Dr. Kethu advises. "South Asians need to be screened earlier and more aggressively."
Advanced Heart Screening Every South Asian Should Consider
Beyond the Coronary Calcium Score, Dr. Kethu and other experts recommend South Asians discuss these tests with their doctors:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] test: Genetic marker for high heart attack risk, common in South Asians
- ApoB (Apolipoprotein B): Better measure of harmful cholesterol particles than LDL alone
- High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): Measures inflammation in arteries
- Fasting insulin and HbA1c: Checks for prediabetes and insulin resistance
Take Action Today
If you're South Asian and over 35, ask your doctor about a Coronary Calcium Score and advanced lipid panel. Early detection can prevent a heart attack before it happens.
About Dr. Sripathi Reddy Kethu, M.D.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist | Richardson, Texas
📍 Address: 2821 E President George Bush Hwy #205, Richardson, TX 75082
🌐 Website: sripathikethumd.com
📞 Phone: (972) 238-9696
Dr. Kethu makes personal connections with his patients by actively listening to them and letting them talk about their concerns. With more than 20 years' experience as a Gastroenterologist in both academic settings and private practice, Dr. Kethu provides comprehensive GI care while making patient safety and well-being his top priority.
Beyond Medicine: Dr. Kethu is an accomplished long-distance runner who has participated in more than 75 marathons and ultramarathons. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states and on all 7 continents, including Antarctica—a testament to his commitment to health, endurance, and pushing boundaries.
Key Takeaways
- South Asians get heart disease earlier—often with 'normal' standard tests
- The Coronary Calcium Score reveals hidden plaque buildup
- Consider advanced tests like Lp(a), ApoB, and hs-CRP
- Start preventive screening in your 30s and 40s, not 50s or 60s
- Work with a doctor familiar with South Asian cardiovascular risk