India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – The UCLA South Asian Heart Program recently hosted a well-attended “Lunch and Learn: Strong Hearts, Strong Women” event at the Luskin Conference Center, bringing together physicians, community leaders, and community members to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease among South Asian women.

The program focused on raising awareness, promoting prevention, and advancing culturally tailored care for a population known to face disproportionately high rates of cardiometabolic disease. Experts emphasized that South Asians carry unique risks for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, making targeted education, early screening, and research essential.

Dr. Dale Abel, Chair of Medicine at UCLA, opened the event with remarks highlighting the increasing prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders and the urgent need to deepen scientific understanding in high-risk groups such as South Asians. He pointed to the complex links between diabetes, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, setting the tone for a discussion centered on both research and real-world impact.

Dr. Eve Glazier, an internist and host of the “Medically Speaking” podcast, welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of culturally relevant health communication. She noted that effective outreach must consider language, diet, lifestyle, and long-standing community habits to truly make a difference.

Wellness expert Dr. Amy Shah followed with practical, evidence-based strategies aimed at prevention and long-term health. Her talk focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and sustainable behavioral changes, particularly for women balancing multiple responsibilities. She stressed that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk over time.

Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Chief of Cardiology at UCLA, addressed the elevated cardiovascular risk in South Asian populations and the lack of adequate representation in clinical studies. She called for more inclusive research and community-engaged science to better understand disparities and improve outcomes.

A panel discussion brought together UCLA physicians from cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition, and internal medicine, including Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, Dr. Anuradha Seshadri, Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Dr. Fatima Hayat, and Dr. Tanaz Moin. Panelists answered questions on diet, exercise, hormonal health, and navigating reliable medical information, creating an open and interactive environment that encouraged audience participation.

Dr. Ravi H. Dave, Director of the UCLA South Asian Heart Program and Jivrajka Family Foundation Chair, shared updates on the initiative’s growth and long-term vision. He outlined efforts to build a comprehensive model that integrates clinical care, research, education, and community outreach to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Adding a broader perspective, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria expressed support for the initiative and highlighted the role of cross-sector partnerships in expanding public health awareness and education.

The event was co-hosted by Dr. Renu Jivrajka and Hemali Dave, and drew a largely South Asian female audience, reflecting both the need for and the impact of culturally tailored health programs.

Organizers described the gathering as part of UCLA’s continuing commitment to advancing equitable cardiovascular care and empowering communities through knowledge. The UCLA South Asian Heart Program, launched in 2025 within the Division of Cardiology, brings together a multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing heart health disparities in this high-risk population.