Research

The Rishi Valley study is a collaborative project between Baker IDI, Monash University and the Rishi Valley Rural Health Centre. Although the most common causes of disease burden in countries such as India include malnutrition and infectious disease, vascular disease is being increasingly recognised as an emerging epidemic. In urban Indian populations, changes in lifestyle exposures (resembling those seen in developed nations) may underlie this phenomenon. However, even less is known about the burden of vascular disease in those living in rural communities.

The aim of this study is to obtain important baseline data on the extent of vascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and its risk factors in a typical rural Indian community. It will be the first major step in planning effective public health interventions to treat or prevent vascular disease in a disadvantaged Indian community.