Allegheny Health Network Opens First Heart Clinic in Pennsylvania Focused on South Asian Patients

New clinic aims to address critical health disparities in cardiovascular care for South Asian communities.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:55am

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Allegheny Health Network has announced the opening of Pennsylvania's first heart clinic specifically focused on addressing cardiovascular health disparities among South Asian patient populations. The new South Asian Heart Clinic will be led by a team of board-certified cardiologists and offer specialized services including advanced biomarker testing, genetic screening, nutrition coaching, and more. The clinic aims to provide culturally-informed, precision prevention and early intervention for this high-risk group.

Why it matters

Studies show that people of South Asian descent face up to four times higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population, with the condition often manifesting several decades earlier. This new clinic represents an important step in addressing these critical health disparities and improving cardiovascular outcomes for the growing South Asian community in the Pittsburgh region.

The details

The South Asian Heart Clinic will be located at several AHN facilities across western Pennsylvania, including the Peters, Wexford, and North Fayette Health + Wellness Pavilions, as well as the AHN Cardiology office in Monroeville. The clinic will be led by a team of board-certified cardiologists - Anita Radhikrishnan, MD, Mahathi Indaram, MD, and Indu Poornima, MD - who specialize in cardiovascular disease prevention among diverse populations. Services will include advanced biomarker testing, genetic screening, coronary calcium scoring, metabolic assessment, culturally-tailored nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and collaborative endocrinology support.

  • The South Asian Heart Clinic officially opened in February 2026, coinciding with National Heart Month and the American Heart Association's annual 'Go Red for Women' campaign.

The players

Allegheny Health Network

A nonprofit health system and one of the largest providers of cardiovascular care in western Pennsylvania.

Anita Radhikrishnan, MD

Board-certified cardiologist and co-leader of the new South Asian Heart Clinic.

Mahathi Indaram, MD

Board-certified cardiologist and co-leader of the new South Asian Heart Clinic.

Indu Poornima, MD

Board-certified cardiologist and co-leader of the new South Asian Heart Clinic.

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What they’re saying

“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and studies consistently demonstrate that people of South Asian descent face a uniquely elevated risk. South Asians have a heart disease risk that is up to four times higher than the general population and manifests several decades earlier.”

— Mahathi Indaram, MD, Cardiologist (PRNewswire)

“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.”

— Anita Radhakrishnan, MD, Cardiologist (PRNewswire)

“As we recognize National Heart Month, AHN reaffirms its commitment to providing equitable and specialized care for all communities. 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.”

— Indu Poornima, MD, Cardiologist (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The new South Asian Heart Clinic is now open and accepting patient referrals. Individuals of South Asian descent who are exhibiting cardiovascular symptoms, have a family history of early heart disease, or have been diagnosed with conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome are encouraged to make an appointment.

The takeaway

This new specialized clinic represents an important step in addressing the significant cardiovascular health disparities faced by the South Asian community. By providing tailored, culturally-informed prevention and early intervention strategies, the clinic aims to improve heart health outcomes for this high-risk population.