The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study examines risk factors for heart disease among South Asians of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan descent in the United States to guide preventative measures and future treatments. Beginning in 2010, eligible South Asian participants between the ages of 40 and 80 were recruited from the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago metropolitan area by investigators at University of California, San Francisco and at Northwestern University, respectively. Recruitment expanded to the New York City metropolitan area in 2021 through the addition of NYU Langone Health as a study site. By January 2022, the study enrolled a total of 2,314 participants.

The study collects demographic information, medical history, family history, medication use, physical measurements, fasting laboratory test results, glucose tolerance test results (from non-diabetic participants), ectopic fat measurements from CT imaging, and biomarkers for omics analysis. Survey instruments also evaluate self-reported mental health, spirituality, health behaviors (including sleep, dietary habits, and physical activity), and social networks. Follow-up data is obtained annually by phone or email survey and exams are completed approximately every five years.