Why Do Indians Suffer Heart Failure?

Main Category: Heart Disease
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 22 Jul 2009 - 20:00 PDT

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Over 3,400 South Asians have taken part in the UK's largest study into heart failure in ethnic minority populations. Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK have been carrying out the study, involving members of the Indian community. Patients, who are registered with GPs in the Birmingham area of the English Midlands, were screened at their local surgery, to discover how common, heart failure is among them.

The project lead is Dr Paramjit Gill, GP and Clinical Reader in Primary Care Research, Primary Care Clinical Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

Funded by the British Heart Foundation and the Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Teaching Trust, the Birmingham study has already helped to identify people at very high risk.

Other incidental findings have been detected on screening such as an atrial myxoma - commonest benign heart tumour, measuring 3.4 x 2.2 cm.

"The 60-year Indian gentleman initially refused to participate in the research but was fortunately persuaded by his wife," Dr Gill reveals. "He had no symptoms and his tumour was successfully removed. As it may also run in families, all his immediate family members were screened and were found to be well."

This case highlights the benefits of participating in applied research for the individual and their families.

The research findings, when completed, will allow medical practitioners to plan appropriate health care services.

Plans are also in place to replicate this study in India, working with Professor Srinath Reddy of the Public Health Foundation of India.

Source
University of Birmingham

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