South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program

South Asians are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population. Recent studies have shown that South Asians have a higher risk for developing heart disease, vascular disease, obesity and diabetes than other ethnic groups, despite being mostly vegetarian and non-smoking. 

The Newton-Wellesley South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program focuses on the special cardiovascular needs of South Asians in our communities. Our cardiovascular specialists look for risk factors that may be missed by standard health assessments and provide a comprehensive, personalized, culturally appropriate treatment program to reduce your cardiovascular risk and improve your overall health. Learn about our treatments and services and the conditions we treat.

Meet our team

Read Q&A with Dr. Yamini Levitzky

Make an appointment

Please fill out this form to learn more about our services or to request an appointment.

Request appointment

You may also call 617-831-7100.

Refer a patient

Referring physicians can refer a patient online via the Mass General Brigham Physician Gateway, or by calling 617-831-7100

NWH South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program
300 Boylston Street
Suite 201
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: 617-831-7100

Benefits of our South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program

Our program offers you peace of mind that you have taken steps to protect your heart health.

We have put together a team of dedicated clinicians who work seamlessly to provide you with exceptional, personalized care. Our program provides a setting that focuses on you and your unique needs, drawing on the expertise and innovative techniques of nationally recognized physicians within the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. Our goal is to keep you healthy and we look forward to partnering with you to achieve your optimal well-being.

During your first appointment, you will speak to a cardiologist with special interest and training in providing culturally appropriate cardiovascular care for South Asian patients. Your cardiologist will then refer you to any Mass General Brigham specialists you may need after the evaluation. This program is the only one of its kind in the region run by experts in their respective fields.

Patients who will benefit from our program include those who have:

• Concerns about risk of heart attack and stroke
• Suffered a heart attack or stroke or who have undergone cardiovascular procedures, including stenting, bypass or valve surgery, and pacemaker placements
• Gained weight or who are overweight
• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease or stroke
• Interest in a second opinion

Treatments and Services

Our services include:

• A thorough cardiovascular examination with an evaluation of your cardiovascular health and risk factors
• Review of your family history and genetic counseling recommendations
• A coordinated team approach to your care, with strong ties to Mass General Brigham nutrition and exercise professionals
• Laboratory services and diagnostic testing
• Review of previous test results from other hospitals or overseas
• Full review of medications
• Advanced cardiac and vascular imaging services, as necessary
• Nutritional guidance from a dietitian with familiarity and expertise in South Asian cuisine
• Personalized exercise counseling by an exercise physiologist
• Personalized management plans based on evidence-based diet, exercise and stress management recommendations
• A coordinated team approach to your care, with strong ties to Mass General Brigham Nutrition and Exercise professionals, interventional Cardiologists, Cardiovascular surgeons, Endocrinologists and other specialists

Your cardiovascular care plan will be customized to your individual needs using a culturally sensitive approach.

Diseases and Conditions

We treat the following conditions:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Peripheral Artery Disease
• Stroke Prevention
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes
• Family History of Heart Disease