Differences in Clinical Measures and Outcomes in South Asians versus Caucasians attending Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract Background: South Asians have greater predisposition to cardiac events compared to Caucasians. Although cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) are known to improve outcomes, little data is available regarding benefits acquired by South Asians versus Caucasians. The objective of the current study was to determine the outcomes of South Asian patients undergoing CRP compared to Caucasian patients. Methods: This study compared baseline characteristics and outcomes in all patients attending a CRP in Edmonton with a proportionately large South Asian population. Results: From 1998 to 2016, 811 South Asians and 5406 Caucasians attended CRP. Baseline characteristics revealed more non-smokers (73.4% vs 29.4%, p 0.05), anti-platelet agent (96.3% vs 97.1%, p> 0.05), ACE inhibitor (79.9% vs 80.0%, p>0.05) and cholesterol lowering agent (91.4% vs 93.8%, p>0.05) use was not significantly different. Conclusion: While South Asians seemed to be prescribed and using proven pharmacologic treatments to the same extent as Caucasians, they appeared to benefit less from cardiac rehabilitation program. Given higher event rates in South Asians, one may need to consider altering the delivery of CRP to South Asians to improve its efficacy.