Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

Common heart disease blood-thinner ineffective for numerous south Asian patients: Study

This research highlights a concerning trend, particularly for individuals of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ancestry

Common heart disease blood-thinner ineffective for numerous south Asian patients: Study
Easterneye.Biz Staff
By Easterneye.Biz StaffAug 28, 2023
Easterneye.Biz Staff
See Full Bio

A commonly prescribed blood-thinner, clopidogrel (Plavix), may not be effective for individuals of South Asian descent due to a genetic mutation, a study suggests.

The research reveals that over half of those with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage have a genetic mutation that hinders the proper function of clopidogrel, the Daily Mail reported.

Clopidogrel is widely used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by preventing blood cells from forming dangerous clots.

It has been observed that many individuals do not respond to this medication, attributed to a genetic mutation in the CYP2C19 gene, which is responsible for producing an enzyme needed to activate the drug.

Prior studies involving European populations estimated this phenomenon in approximately a third of cases.

Conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, a new study examined the DNA of over 40,000 British south Asians, revealing a much higher prevalence of the genetic mutation in this population.

Among those studied, 57 percent carried the genetic alteration that renders clopidogrel ineffective. Worryingly, two-thirds of participants had been prescribed clopidogrel to prevent secondary heart attacks or strokes.

This research highlights a concerning trend, particularly for individuals of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ancestry, who face a more than threefold risk of recurrent heart attacks compared to those of European heritage.

The study implies that treatment failure with clopidogrel could contribute to this elevated risk.

Lead author Dr Emma Magavern, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Barts Charity, emphasised the significance of incorporating genetic factors to determine the suitability of clopidogrel after a heart attack.

Neglecting this consideration could disproportionately disadvantage specific population groups.

Dr Magavern further underscored the importance of inclusive medical trials, emphasizing that underrepresentation of south Asians in research has obscured our comprehension of risks within this community.

Various alternatives to clopidogrel are available, including warfarin, aspirin, and newer blood thinners like dabigatran.

british newspaperhealth newsrecent newsbreaking news ukuk newsnews analysisnewspaper websiteengland newspaper

Related News

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa
Entertainment

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announce pregnancy in joint Instagram post

IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings
Cricket

IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings

Jacqueline Fernandez
Top lists

Jacqueline Fernandez’s 12 biggest music hits that still dominate playlists

Schiaparelli exhibition UK
Fashion

V&A announces UK’s first Schiaparelli exhibition as Natasha Poonawalla’s Met Gala looks make a comeback

More For You

Martin Lewis warns shoppers

Lewis clarifies legal rights for online and in-store purchases

iStock

Martin Lewis warns shoppers about misleading return policies at 30 UK retailers

Highlights

  • Martin Lewis flags incorrect return rights information on 30 retail websites
  • Retailers include New Look, The Range, and Selfridges
  • Lewis clarifies legal rights for online and in-store purchases
  • Trading Standards to be alerted following MoneySavingExpert.com investigation

Martin Lewis highlights return rights confusion

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a warning to UK consumers after uncovering misleading returns information on the websites of 30 major retailers, including New Look, The Range, and Selfridges.

Speaking on ITV1's Good Morning Britain, Lewis explained that several retailers are presenting incorrect information about return rights for online shoppers — in some cases, underplaying the legal protections customers are entitled to.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gemma Collins Instagram ban

Collins accepted the findings of the ASA’s investigation

Getty Images

Gemma Collins’ Instagram post banned over weight-loss drug promotion

Highlights

  • Instagram post by Gemma Collins promoting Yazen weight-loss service banned
  • ASA rules it breached regulations on promoting prescription-only medication
  • Eight other weight-loss ads also banned in regulatory crackdown

ASA bans Collins' Instagram advert

An Instagram post by TV personality Gemma Collins promoting a weight-loss drug and digital service has been banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog for breaching regulations around prescription-only medicines.

Collins had shared a promotional video on 6 January 2025, stating: “I’m starting this year two sizes down, thanks to Yazen’s weight loss app and medication.” The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the post unlawfully promoted prescription-only medication to the public.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 secret beaches

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

iStock

5 secret beaches in the UK that feel like the tropics

Key points

  • Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
  • Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
  • Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
  • Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views

Escape to paradise – no passport required

Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.

1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
New Covid strain

Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain

iStock

New Covid strain Stratus spreads in UK with unusual hoarse voice symptom

Key points

  • A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
  • The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
  • Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
  • Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
  • Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection

Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK

A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.

Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc