With a risk factor four times greater than the average population, heart disease is a global epidemic among the South Asian community.

Now, Surrey Memorial Hospital has developed an education program tailored specifically for Punjabi speaking patients.

Surinder Singh Chauhan is a participant in the unique cardiac education program. He became involved after he discovered he had heart problems.

"I have gone through a by-pass surgery and they advised me to go to this program," he says.

What makes the program different is that it is catered specifically to Punjabi speaking patients.

Many of the participants aren't fluent in English, and have had troubles navigating through the health care system.

"This was a group of sub-population that is at high risk for cardiovascular disease," says family nurse practitioner Karol Ghuman.

"The need is to increase their education level so that they can better manage their health."

Research shows South Asians suffer heart attacks approximately ten years earlier than their Western counterparts. Those attacks often happen without prior symptoms or warning.

"Whether it's due to genetics, whether it's due to lifestyle I think everything plays a role," says Ghuman.

The two hour classes run for eight weeks, and include information on a number of subjects.

"We talk about diet, exercise, emotional health, sexual health, medications, heart procedures -- we talk about everything," she says.

The first portion of the class is a lecture, followed by relaxation therapy.

Then participants rotate through stations for one-on-one time with a nutritionist, nurse, physiotherapist and pharmacist.

"They can go to each sub-station and talk to each health professional and get the education, counseling they need," says Ghuman.

Surinder Singh Chauhan says the program was helpful and gave him a clearer understanding of his illness.

"I have totally changed my diet, I have confidence in the medicine that I'm taking and what it affects, and what are side effects, and I know how each and everything works," he says.

If you are interested in joining the program, and you are Punjabi speaking, please call 604-587-3849 and leave a message.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.