Who We Are
The Society for South Asian Heart Research (SAHR) is dedicated to promoting, collaborating, and communicating fundamental, translational, clinical, and population-based cardiovascular research. This work is focused on the unique cardiovascular health challenges faced by South Asian populations. SAHR strives to foster collaboration among South Asian researchers, scientists, clinicians, and the wider public, creating a community dedicated to improving cardiovascular health and outcomes for South Asians globally. Recognizing the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the South Asian community, SAHR seeks to elevate awareness of these health disparities and promote research and strategies that can directly address these challenges.
Mission
Conduct Seminars and Conferences:
Organize periodic seminars and annual meetings that feature traditional and emerging research areas related to cardiovascular disease, fostering dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.
Mentorship and Support:
Provide a structured platform for mentoring researchers at various career stages, from early-career scientists to established experts, ensuring the development of future leaders in cardiovascular research.
Communication and Outreach:
Serve as a hub for disseminating research, events, opportunities, and accomplishments both within SAHR and the broader global community to improve collective knowledge and understanding.
Fostering Collaborations:
Develop cooperative relationships with like-minded research groups, public health organizations, and governmental agencies to drive innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions to CVD challenges.
Building a Global Reputation:
Strengthen the national and international reputation of SAHR, positioning it as the premier organization for SA cardiovascular research and advocacy.
Vision
SAHR envisions itself as the ultimate, trusted space for advancing South Asian cardiovascular research. The organization aspires to mitigate the high burden of cardiovascular disorders disproportionately affecting the South Asian population, particularly given the elevated risk factors such as genetic predisposition, cultural lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic conditions.
SAHR aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by promoting findings that lead to improved health outcomes for the South Asian population. By fostering global partnerships and a community of experts, SAHR will contribute to reducing the high rates of CVD in the South Asian diaspora and within South Asia itself.
Purpose
South Asians represent over 25% of the world’s population and approximately 5 million live in developed countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, the SA population faces a significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), with conditions often manifesting at an earlier age and with higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to other ethnic groups. Factors such as increased insulin resistance, central obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia contribute to this elevated risk. There is an urgent need to:
Raise Awareness
Promote Prevention
Improve Healthcare Access
Drive Research Innovation
Facilitate Research Collaboration
Through these efforts, SAHR will enable the South Asian Heart Research community to organize and address the distinct cardiovascular challenges faced by South Asians. By fostering communication, research collaboration, and policy advocacy, SAHR will ensure that the cardiovascular health needs of South Asians are understood and prioritized on both national and international health agendas.
History
A long-standing vision shared by cardiovascular researchers of South Asian descent in the United States has been to establish a dedicated association to advance collaboration and representation within the field. South Asian trainees and faculty, spanning both clinical and basic research, have made significant contributions to advancing discoveries aimed at combating cardiovascular disease. At numerous scientific meetings, the discussions among South Asian cardiovascular researchers have often centered on the need for a formal organization.
In recognition of this collective aspiration, the South Asian Heart Association (SAHA) was established in 2019 under the umbrella of Red Saree Inc., with leadership from Dr. Sakthivel Sadayappan. The association formally launched its activities at the American Heart Association Basic Cardiovascular Sciences (BCVS) Scientific Sessions held in Boston, MA, from July 29 to August 1, 2019. The inaugural gathering was attended by over 100 participants, reflecting strong community interest and support. Dr. Raj Kishore served as the first President, and Dr. Susmita Sahoo as Secretary.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 temporarily halted in-person activities. To further strengthen and formalize these efforts, a new organization, the Society for South Asian Heart Research (SAHR), was established and registered as a non-profit organization (87-2319703) in Ohio on April 30, 2021. Dr. Sakthivel Sadayappan served as the founding President and Secretary, with Dr. Sathyamangla Prasad as Treasurer.
The first SAHR meeting was held during the 2022 American Heart Association BCVS Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL. Subsequently, Dr. Sumitra Miriyala assumed the role of Secretary, followed by Dr. Sailaja Paruchuri, who contributed significantly to the organization, coordination, and continued growth of SAHR.
SAHR Community