Are Indians genetically prone to heart attacks? What you need to know about the viral claim

A YouTube video titled "BIG RISK for INDIANS | This is why INDIANS Have More HEART ATTACKS" has been garnering views after its claims, ranging from how Indians have thinner arteries to how people should be consuming more statins and medications for preventing cardiac issues, went viral.  

The video features Dr Bimal Chhajer, a cardiologist, in conversation with podcaster Gaurav Thakur. In the video, the anchor says that he has heard that the arteries of Indians are thinner compared to the arteries of those from the Western parts of the world, which is the reason behind our high cardiovascular disease burden. In response, Dr Chhajer says that this is correct and is a "fact." The video goes on to discuss more facts.

Here's what experts think about the raised claims.

CLAIM #1: 

Indians have thinner arteries and are genetically more prone to cardiovascular diseases. 

FACT: 

Misleading. Research shows that unadjusted coronary artery diameters in Indians are smaller than in Caucasians. However, when indexed to body surface area (BSA), the difference disappears.

As per research, unadjusted coronary artery diameters in Indians are smaller than in Caucasians. However, when indexed to body surface area (BSA), the difference disappears. 

“Indian coronary artery dimensions are proportional to body size-smaller BSA explains the perceived disparity," Dr Anoop Misra, a cardiologist at AIIMS, cardiology department, which is also echoed in a 2017 study. This suggests the claim oversimplifies a complex anatomical relationship. 

CLAIM #2: 

Indians are genetically prone to metabolic syndrome, where one develops more cholesterol, more triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

FACT: 

Studies confirm that Indians are more prone to higher abdominal fat, lower HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance. However, lifestyle factors also play a role. 

Studies confirm South Asians exhibit a “phenotype” with higher abdominal fat, lower HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance at lower BMI thresholds.  

However, experts emphasise lifestyle factors.  “Urbanisation, sedentary habits, and processed diets drive India’s metabolic crisis-not just genetics," according to Dr Misra. While genetic susceptibility exists, environmental triggers are pivotal.  

CLAIM #3: 

One Indian dies from heart disease every 10 seconds

FACT:

True, India's death ratio due to coronary heart disease is the highest in the world and needs acute attention. 

While India’s coronary death rate is among the world’s highest, estimates suggest ~27% of deaths annually stem from cardiovascular diseases, aligning with the video’s figures. 

CLAIM #4:

'Double engine livers' produce more cholesterol in Indians and it can only be stopped with medicines. 

FACT:

Endogenous triglyceride synthesis in the liver is well-documented, but experts claim that calling for an increase in medicines is wrong. 

“Double engine liver” isn’t a medical term. However, endogenous triglyceride synthesis in the liver is well-documented. Statins, which reduce cholesterol, are indeed critical for managing metabolic risks. Dr Misra states, “Statins save lives in high-risk populations, but lifestyle changes remain foundational, but advising for the increase in prescription is wrong, clearly wrong”. 

Finally, the video correctly notes metabolic diseases, once urban-centric, now afflict the entirety of India, without any rural urban divide. Studies attribute this to reduced physical activity, processed food adoption, and socioeconomic shifts. 

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.

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