Culturally Tailored Heart Care: AHN’s New South Asian Heart Clinics

Research shows that people of South Asian descent experience cardiovascular disease 3–4x more often than other populations, and often at younger ages. Although they comprise only 25% of the global population, South Asians account for 60% of the world’s cardiovascular events.*

To address this critical disparity, AHN Cardiovascular Institute has launched western Pennsylvania’s first dedicated South Asian Heart Center — a program designed to proactively identify disease, reduce risk, and provide culturally tailored cardiovascular care for the region’s rapidly growing South Asian community.

Why the clinics matter

Contributing factors to South Asian populations’ disproportionately higher rates of premature morbidity and mortality include:

• Genetic predispositions: High Lp(a), insulin resistance, and unique lipid patterns.
• Lifestyle factors: High refined carbohydrate diets and low physical activity.
• Metabolic differences: Central obesity despite normal BMI and elevated visceral fat.

These factors combined with asymptomatic presentation in early stages of disease underscore the need for timely, proactive intervention.

“Our goal is to support early detection and prevention of heart disease,” said Anita Radhakrishnan, MD, FACC, cardiologist at AHN Cardiovascular Institute. “With advanced screening tools and care tailored specifically to this group’s unique physiologic characteristics and risk profile, we can substantially reduce the likelihood of conditions like severe cardiovascular events and diabetes.”

What the clinics offer

Patients referred to AHN South Asian Heart Clinics gain access to a multidisciplinary team and comprehensive cardiovascular care spanning:

• Advanced biomarker testing: Lp(a), ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and advanced genetic testing.
• Imaging and risk assessment: Coronary calcium scoring and metabolic evaluation.
• Lifestyle and nutrition guidance: South Asian–specific diet and exercise programs in partnership with El Camino Health.
• Collaborative endocrinology support: Management of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
• Registry and outcomes tracking: Supporting research and continuous care improvement.

After initial screenings at the clinics, AHN providers can work directly with patients or referring PCPs to collaborate on preemptive symptom surveillance, treatment planning, and disease management.

Who should be referred

Providers are encouraged to refer patients of South Asian descent (including individuals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives). The center’s clinical offerings are particularly beneficial for:

• Those with a family history of early or premature heart disease.
• Patients with existing metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome.
• Concern for elevated genetic markers such as Lp(a) or ApoB.
• Young female patients with PCOS, gestational hypertension, or autoimmune disease.
• Patients with cardiovascular symptoms or strong risk profiles.

How to refer

The clinics are conveniently located across the Pittsburgh region in McCandless, Monroeville, North Fayette, and Peters Township. Refer your patients for culturally tailored care, close to home:

• Epic referral: Ambulatory Referral to Cardiovascular Specialty Services – South Asian Clinic. Providers are Anita Radhakrishnan, MD, Indu Poornima, MD, Mahathi Indaram, MD.
• Phone: Call 724-260-7400 (Select option 1).
• Secure chat: Contact Kim Eicholtz for scheduling.