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Primary Submission Category: Race/Ethnicity
How Stress and Discrimination affect Cardiovascular Risk in First and Second Generation South Asian Immigrants
Authors: Khushi Chopra, Rohan Patel, Preethi Saravanan,
Presenting Author: Khushi Chopra*
Individuals of South Asian origin have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure with onset occurring ~10 years earlier and a 2–3-fold increased risk compared to US whites and other ethnic groups. Many studies also demonstrate how chronic stress can adversely impact physical health, which has been associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of CVD. Given South Asians already have a predisposition to experiencing CVD, and discrimination and mental stress are modifiable risk factors, future research in this area could be crucial. In recent decades, following major national crises such as 9/11 or the COVID-19 pandemic, there was seen to be a rise of anti-Asian hate crimes across the United States, and current restrictive immigration policies may also contribute to higher stress in this population. This study examines how such experiences of stress and discrimination impact CVD risk in first- and second-generation South Asians. Our mixed methods approach combines quantitative analysis of survey data from a stress scale, discrimination scale, the American Heart Association survey, My Life Check, which measures cardiovascular health, and semi structured interviews among a subsample. Preliminary results show that on average, South Asians that experience lower rates of stress and discrimination have a more favorable My Life Check score, corresponding to lower risk for CVD.