We sat down with Dr. Mahathi Indaram, a board-certified cardiologist and one of the physician leaders of Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) new South Asian Heart Clinic, to discuss this innovative resource.
Q: What is the South Asian Heart Clinic, and why was it created?
Dr. Indaram: The South Asian Heart Clinic is Pennsylvania’s first clinic dedicated to preventing heart disease and addressing unique health challenges within the South Asian community. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, but for people of South Asian descent, the risk is significantly higher – up to four times greater than the general population.
Q: Why do South Asians face such a high risk of heart disease?
Dr. Indaram: There are several complex reasons. South Asians often have unique genetic risk factors like higher rates of insulin resistance, high triglycerides, and elevated lipoprotein (a), a genetic marker for heart disease. We also see a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance.
Lifestyle factors play a role too. Traditional South Asian diets can be high in refined carbohydrates, and physical activity often varies. It’s also important to note that many individuals, even if they appear thin, can have higher rates of abdominal obesity, which significantly increases their heart disease risk.
Q: What specific services can patients expect at the South Asian Heart Clinic?
Dr. Indaram: We offer comprehensive services designed for precise detection and prevention. This includes advanced biomarker testing, genetic testing, and coronary calcium scoring to thoroughly assess individual risk.
We also provide culturally specific nutrition coaching and personalized lifestyle guidance, which are crucial components of our program. We collaborate closely with endocrinology specialists for optimal diabetes and metabolic health management, and we maintain a heart registry to continually track outcomes which help to inform and refine our care plans.
Q: Is the South Asian population growing regionally?
Dr. Indaram: Allegheny County’s Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing ethnic communities, and Pittsburgh’s South Asian community has grown steadily, with populations from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan establishing roots in areas like Monroeville, Penn Hills, Green Tree, and the South Hills. As this population grows, so does the need for specialized care that understands their unique health predispositions.
Q: Who should consider referring themselves or being referred to this clinic?
Dr. Indaram: If you are of South Asian descent – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, or Maldives – and you have cardiovascular symptoms, a family history of early heart disease, or have been diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, or PCOS, you should consider making an appointment.
Q: How can patients make an appointment at the clinic?
Dr. Indaram: To schedule an appointment, call 724-260-7400 and select Option ‘1’. Our clinic is available at AHN Peters, Wexford, and North Fayette Health Wellness Pavilions, as well as at the AHN Cardiology office in Monroeville.