The UCLA South Asian Heart Program recently hosted a successful event aimed at addressing cardiovascular health among South Asian women, emphasizing the importance of culturally tailored care and community engagement.
LOS ANGELES, CA – The UCLA South Asian Heart Program recently held a well-attended “Lunch and Learn: Strong Hearts, Strong Women” event at the Luskin Conference Center. This gathering brought together physicians, community leaders, and members of the South Asian community to discuss the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease among South Asian women.
The program aimed to raise awareness, promote prevention, and advance culturally tailored care for a population that faces disproportionately high rates of cardiometabolic diseases. Experts at the event highlighted the unique risks South Asians encounter regarding conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, underscoring the need for targeted education, early screening, and dedicated research.
Dr. Dale Abel, Chair of Medicine at UCLA, opened the event with remarks emphasizing the rising prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders and the urgent need for a deeper scientific understanding of high-risk groups, including South Asians. He discussed the intricate connections between diabetes, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, setting the stage for a discussion focused on both research and real-world implications.
Dr. Eve Glazier, an internist and host of the “Medically Speaking” podcast, welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of culturally relevant health communication. She noted that effective outreach must consider factors such as language, diet, lifestyle, and long-standing community habits to truly make an impact.
Wellness expert Dr. Amy Shah followed with practical, evidence-based strategies aimed at prevention and long-term health. Her presentation focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and sustainable behavioral changes, particularly for women managing multiple responsibilities. Dr. Shah emphasized that small, consistent changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk over time.
Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Chief of Cardiology at UCLA, addressed the heightened cardiovascular risk within South Asian populations and the lack of adequate representation in clinical studies. She advocated for more inclusive research and community-engaged science to better understand health disparities and improve outcomes.
A panel discussion featured UCLA physicians from various specialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition, and internal medicine. Panelists Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, Dr. Anuradha Seshadri, Dr. Priscilla Hsue, Dr. Fatima Hayat, and Dr. Tanaz Moin answered questions on diet, exercise, hormonal health, and how to navigate reliable medical information. This interactive segment encouraged audience participation and fostered an open dialogue.
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 establish a comprehensive model that integrates clinical care, research, education, and community outreach to enhance cardiovascular outcomes.
Adding a broader perspective, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of cross-sector partnerships in expanding public health awareness and education.
The event was co-hosted by Dr. Renu Jivrajka and Hemali Dave, and attracted a predominantly 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 ongoing 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, according to India-West.