Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has opened Pennsylvania’s first heart clinic focused on addressing health disparities among South Asian patients. The new South Asian Heart Clinic, part of AHN’s Cardiovascular Institute, aims to prevent heart disease and provide specialized care for this population.
The clinic is led by cardiologists Anita Radhikrishnan, MD, Mahathi Indaram, MD, and Indu Poornima, MD. It operates at several locations including AHN Peters, Wexford, North Fayette Health + Wellness Pavilions, and AHN Cardiology in Monroeville.
“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and studies consistently demonstrate that people of South Asian descent face a uniquely elevated risk,” said Dr. Indaram. “South Asians have a heart disease risk that is up to four times higher than the general population and manifests several decades earlier. Moreover, coronary artery disease can go unnoticed for several years, with the initial presentation being a fatal event such as a cardiac arrest. This is why early, thoughtful intervention with a culturally informed care team is critically important.”
The clinic focuses on early detection and management of cardiovascular disease as well as unique risk factors common among South Asians such as insulin resistance and high triglycerides. According to the National Lipid Association, while South Asians make up about 25% of the world’s population, they account for 60% of global cardiovascular disease cases.
A report in Circulation from the American Heart Association notes that South Asians have at least twice the prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white populations. Another study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that among more than 31,000 South Asian patients studied over 18 years within Baylor Scott & White Health system, 43% had hyperlipidemia, 22.2% had hypertension and 15.5% had Type 2 diabetes; additionally, over 10% screened positive for cardiovascular disease or genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle factors such as diets high in refined carbohydrates and lower physical activity contribute to higher mortality rates among this group. Dr. Indaram noted that many patients may not meet standard obesity criteria but still face increased risk due to abdominal obesity.
“We understand that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to heart health doesn’t work. Our new center is designed to provide tailored prevention and screening strategies that consider the specific genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors of the South Asian community,” said Dr. Radhakrishnan.
South Asians are one of Allegheny County’s fastest-growing ethnic groups; census data shows their numbers grew from about 34,783 in 2010 to over 55,000 by 2022.
The clinic offers services such as advanced biomarker testing (including Lp(a), ApoB), genetic testing, coronary calcium scoring and metabolic assessment; it also provides nutrition coaching specific to cultural needs along with endocrinology support for diabetes management.
Patients eligible for referral include those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan or Maldives who show symptoms or family history related to cardiovascular issues or conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
“As we recognize National Heart Month, AHN reaffirms its commitment to providing equitable and specialized care for all communities,” said Dr. Poornima. “The South Asian Heart Clinic represents a significant step forward in addressing critical health disparities and improving cardiovascular outcomes for this growing population. It’s just good medicine.”
Recently Allegheny General Hospital was named one of America’s top hospitals for cardiac surgery by Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Care awards and received recognition from both the Mitral Foundation and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for excellence in cardiac care programs.
