Associations between cumulative biological risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in middle- and older-aged South Asian immigrants in the United States

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between cumulative biological risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in South Asian immigrants.

Methods

Data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study, including 844 participants at baseline (mean age=56 [standard deviation=9] years, 46% women). A cumulative biological risk score was derived using 9 biomarkers across cardiovascular, immune and metabolic systems with possible score range 0-9. Common and internal carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) were used as indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results

Higher cumulative biological risk score were significantly associated with higher common and internal CIMT and higher odds of CAC at baseline. The odds of new CAC after 5 years of follow-up was 31% higher per 1 point increase in cumulative biological risk score, and higher cumulative biological risk was also associated with CAC progression.

Conclusions

Among South Asian immigrants, cumulative biological risk was directly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and its progression.