Heart Risk Calculators Fail Indian Patients
New research reveals that widely used heart disease risk calculators often fail to identify a significant proportion of Indians at high risk for heart attacks, with nearly 80% of affected patients not classified as 'high-risk'. The study suggests a need for risk models tailored specifically to South Asian populations.
- Country:
- India
Widely used heart disease risk calculators may be failing to identify a significant proportion of Indians at risk, a new study has revealed. Conducted by researchers from multiple institutions including GB Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, the study indicates that nearly 80% of heart attack patients were not classified as 'high-risk'.
Using 4,975 patient cases, the research compared global models like the Framingham Risk Score and ACC/AHA ASCVD 2013 model, finding discrepancies in risk categorization. "When we put Indian heart attack patients through these Western models, many are wrongly classified," Dr. Mohit Gupta of GB Pant Hospital explained, stressing the models’ limitations for South Asians.
The study urges the development of India-specific risk calculators, as current global models underestimate the risk, potentially delaying treatment and resulting in preventable deaths. The findings highlight the need for tailored risk prediction tools suited to Indian demographics and unique health behaviors.
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