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 858 participants at baseline (mean age = 56 [standard deviation = 9] years, 46% women). A cumulative biological risk score was derived using nine biomarkers across cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic systems with a possible score range of 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 was 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 were 31% higher per 1-point increase in cumulative biological risk score, and the higher cumulative biological risk score was also associated with CAC progression.
Conclusions: Among South Asian immigrants, cumulative biological risk was directly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and its progression.
Keywords: South Asians; allostatic load; coronary artery calcium; cumulative biological risk; immigrants; subclinical atherosclerosis.