Background and Purpose-Within the United Kingdom, mortality from stroke is higher among South Asians compared to European whites. The reasons for this excess cerebrovascular risk in South Asians remain unclear. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive and systematic overview of the available literature relating to ischemic stroke among South Asian populations identifying distinct features of stroke epidemiology in this group. Summary of Review-A high frequency of lacunar strokes is a familiar pattern among South Asians, which suggests a greater prevalence of small-vessel disease in South Asians. This may be a consequence of abnormal metabolic and glycemic processes. In addition, stroke mortality among South Asians appears to be explained by glycemic status, which is an independent predictor of long-term stroke mortality. Within India, there is a perceptible rural-urban gradient in stroke prevalence, underlying the dangers of the rapid transition in socioeconomic circumstances seen across the Indian subcontinent. Conclusions-This

Noninvasive measurements of arterial stiffness may aid the optimal stratification of CVD risk in an apparently healthy population.

This registry represents the largest published real-world experience of the Evolut R valve. The procedural success rate was high and safety was excellent, comparable with previous studies of the Evolut R valve and other second-generation devices. The low rate of complications represents an improvement on first-generation devices.

Background-The pathophysiology of an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease mortality among South Asians (SA) remains unclear. Indices of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are independent markers of vascular disease, having both prognostic and diagnostic implications. We hypothesized that there are ethnic variations in indices of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction between SA and European Caucasian (EC) stroke patients, which may underline a poorer prognosis in the former, and further investigated promoters of vessel wall abnormalities. Methods-Using a cross-sectional approach, a total of 100 SA stroke survivors were prospectively recruited from the ongoing West Birmingham Stroke Project. Indices of vessel wall characteristics (arterial stiffness and endothelial function [change in reflective index]) were measured noninvasively using the digital volume pulse analysis technique in a temperature-controlled environment, using a direct standardized approach. SA stroke subjects were compared to 60 EC stroke survivors, 60 SA with risk factors, and 73 healthy controls. Results-Among stroke patients, both ethnic groups were comparable for cardiovascular risk profile, except for more diabetes mellitus in SA (Pϭ0.007) subjects and a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in EC (Pϭ0.04) subjects. According to the TOAST and Bamford classifications, SA subjects had more small vessel (Pϭ0.04) and lacunar infarctions (Pϭ0.01). SA subjects had higher measurements of arterial stiffness (PϽ0.001) and impaired endothelialdependent vascular function (change in reflective index %; PϽ0.001). On univariate analysis, endothelial function was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (rϭϪ0.4; PϽ0.001) and total cholesterol level (rϭϪ0.2; PϽ0.001).On multivariate analysis, glycemic status was independently associated with impaired endothelial function (Pϭ0.008) and increased arterial stiffness (PϽ0.001) among SA subjects. Conclusion-SA stroke survivors had more small vessel disease-related cerebrovascular events compared to EC subjects.Underlying glycemic status in SA subjects had an adverse impact on the vascular system, leading to abnormal vessel wall characteristics. (Stroke. 2009;40:2298-2306.)

Stroke mortality in South Asians is associated with presence of diabetes mellitus. This highlights the significance of early and intensive CVD risk modification strategies in ethnic minorities particularly in patients with diabetes. Further research is warranted in South Asians to examine the underlying basis and related pathophysiological abnormalities.

Angiogenin is related to worsening heart failure severity (NYHA classification), with the highest levels in NYHA class III. Further research is warranted to determine the validity of angiogenin in a diagnostic and prognostic capacity in CHF.

Background: The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Britain is concentrated in inner-city areas such as Sandwell, which is home to a diverse multi-ethnic population. Current guidance for CVD risk screening is not established, nor are there specific details for ethnic minorities. Given the disparity in equitable healthcare for these groups, we developed a 'tailored' and systematic approach to CVD risk screening within communities of the Sandwell locality. The key anticipated outcomes were the numbers of participants from various ethnic backgrounds attending the health screening events and the prevalence of known and undiagnosed CVD risk within ethnic groups.

Healthy South Asians have increased systemic arterial stiffness measured by stiffness index compared with white Europeans. There was an adverse and disproportional impact of age and mean arterial pressure on the vascular system in South Asians. Increased indices of arterial stiffness may explain their increased susceptibility to coronary heart disease.