Research

Advancing Knowledge,
Transforming Heart Health

Our research is driven by a commitment to tackling one of the most pressing health challenges: cardiovascular disease. Explore cutting-edge studies on the disproportionate burden of heart disease in South Asian communities, the role of early-onset risk factors, and innovations in diagnostic tools, preventive care, and cardiometabolic screening that are shaping the future of heart health.

LPS Health Research Lab

Cutting-edge research. Community-focused outcomes.

Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians: What You Need to Know

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, including heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease, that are leading causes of death worldwide. While CVD affects all populations, South Asians face a significantly elevated risk stemming from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle patterns, and environmental stressors, making early prevention and targeted intervention essential.

4x
Higher Risk
South Asians are more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared to White Europeans
25%
Of Global Population
South Asians make up a quarter of the world's population yet bear a disproportionate burden of heart disease
10 yrs
Earlier Onset
Heart attacks in South Asians occur a decade earlier, with 25% under age 40, 50% under age 50
Cardiometabolic screening
Detecting Risk Before It Strikes

Most South Asians Develop Heart Disease Without Symptoms

We focus on identifying risk early using the most advanced, non-invasive tools available, because standard tests often miss the signs in our communities. The use of coronary CT angiography (CTA), calcium scoring, and other screening methods to detect dangerous plaque buildup before it's too late is crucial, particularly in younger adults who might otherwise be overlooked.

Take Free Assessment
Our Focus

Major Drivers of Early Disease

Our research zeroes in on four critical drivers that disproportionately affect our community, allowing us to build precise, effective prevention strategies.

Cardiac Screening

Detecting Risk Before It Strikes

Most South Asians develop heart disease without symptoms.

We focus on identifying risk early using the most advanced, non-invasive tools available, because standard tests often miss the signs in our communities.

The use of coronary CT angiography (CTA), calcium scoring, and other screening methods to detect dangerous plaque buildup before it's too late is crucial, particularly in younger adults who might otherwise be overlooked.

Metabolic Health

Insulin Resistance: The Earliest Red Flag

Shows up earlier and more often in South Asians, even when weight looks normal.

We're investigating how it progresses, how it hides, and how we can stop it before it turns into diabetes or heart disease.

Our research explores how early insulin resistance behaves in South Asians and how interventions, whether lifestyle or clinical, can delay or prevent metabolic decline.

Body Composition

Visceral Fat: The Fat You Can't See

It's not how much fat you have; it's where you carry it.

South Asians store more fat around vital organs, even at lower BMIs, driving inflammation and disease from the inside out.

We study visceral adiposity patterns in South Asians to help redefine what "at-risk" really means, ensuring better screening guidelines for our population.

Genetic Risk

Lp(a): The Genetic Time Bomb

One blood marker. A lifetime of risk.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a powerful inherited factor for heart disease, and it's often ignored. We're changing that.

We're researching how Lp(a) disproportionately affects South Asians, how it accelerates heart risk, and how we can bring it into the spotlight of routine prevention.

Take the First Step Toward Better Heart & Metabolic Health

Your health journey starts with understanding where you stand. Our simple Cardiometabolic Health Test helps you check key risk factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, a quick, informative way to gain insights and take proactive steps toward feeling your best, with support every step of the way.

Take Risk Assessment Now
Free Risk Assessment