ASE 2025 Research Spotlight 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Natalie Costantino
919-297-7170
[email protected]

ASE 2025 Research Study Uses Echocardiography to Address Cardiovascular Disparities in Underserved Communities

(DURHAM, N.C., September 5, 2025)—Research to be presented at the American Society of Echocardiography’s (ASE) 36^th Annual Scientific Sessions, Sept. 5-7, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., explores how echocardiography can help identify undiagnosed valvular heart disease (VHD) and structural heart disease (SHD) among underserved populations, particularly women of color.

Limited access to medical care is a major contributor to disparities in today’s healthcare system. A study led by Dr. Anita Radhakrishnan and Dr. Saed Alnaimat from the Department of Cardiology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., offered free transthoracic echocardiogram screenings to underserved patients in Western Pennsylvania to increase timely diagnosis and management of SHD.

The research, titled “EVERY HEART MATTERS PROGRAM: A Community Based Echocardiography Screening Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disparities,” found that women of color, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by undiagnosed heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. Concurrently, this patient population also has the lowest rates of echocardiogram screening.

“The ‘Every Heart Matters’ program addresses a critical gap in cardiovascular care by providing free echocardiogram screenings to those most at risk,” says Dr. Alnaimat. “Because VHD can progress silently without symptoms, and there are currently no screening guidelines for at-risk groups, this program offers a model for how early detection can reduce disparities and save lives.”

To date, the program has screened 310 patients, with a target of 500 patients by 2026. Of those screened, 63 percent are Black, and 66 percent are women. Notably, 24 percent of participants had abnormal echocardiogram results, prompting referrals to cardiologists. The study also found that 22 percent of Black women screened had pulmonary hypertension, which is significantly higher than the 1-4 percent prevalence of the condition in the general population.

The study’s findings reflect trends seen in previous research, reinforcing the need for accessible diagnostic services—such as community-based echocardiography screenings—to enable timely intervention and potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk groups.

ASE 2025 will feature more than 450 research abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. This research study will be presented on Friday, September 5, at the Music City Center. Learn more about ASE 2025 and view all ASE 2025 research abstract studies in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

About the American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. In 2025, ASE is celebrating its milestone 50^th anniversary.  For more information, visit the ASE website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky.

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