A documentary focusing on the Indian heart disease epidemic premiered on YouTube on May 3. “The Brown Heart” confronts a growing epidemic of early, severe, and often fatal heart attacks that are affecting Indian communities across the globe. 

Created by Pennsylvania-based Indian physicians Drs. Nirmal and Renu Joshi, the movie streamed live on YouTube. It features more than 40 leading health experts and powerful voices from the entertainment world.
 
ISMA member Ankur Kalra, MD, established the heart health and awareness nonprofit Make a Dent in 2018 and is among the medical experts.

“Published research has shown that onset of heart disease in South Asians occurs at least a decade earlier in comparison with Caucasians,” said Dr. Kulra, who authored ISMA Resolution 24-006, approved in 2024, to increase awareness of South Asian heart health in Indiana. “(This project) highlights many medical experts who have dedicated their research to further exploring epigenetic links contributing to the early onset of heart disease in South Asians.”

According to an article co-authored by Dr. Kulra in The Lancet, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability in South Asians. The CVD epidemic in Indians is characterized by a higher relative risk burden, an earlier age of onset, higher case fatality and higher premature deaths. 

The film focuses on diet, genes and lifestyle as possible causes for increased risks.  It discusses how South Asians have a higher prevalence of diabetes, greater central obesity, greater likelihood of strong family history of CVD, lower levels of physical activity and a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking. Ghee, also known as purified butter, is widely implicated as a risk factor for CVD.
 
The film is a nonprofit venture funded by philanthropic donors based in Pennsylvania. Makeadent.org is an affiliate partner in the area of medical expertise. Watch the trailer >>