Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming half a million lives each year, more than the next six leading causes of death combined.1 In contrast, breast cancer claimed the lives of 41,514 women in 2002.2 Yet despite the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women, it remains disproportionately diagnosed and treated. This combined with a lack of awareness about cardiovascular risk factors, signs and symptoms among women accounts for a disparity in mortality and morbidity between men and women. Since 1984, heart disease has annually claimed many more women's lives than men's.

Historically, the medical profession has de-emphasized the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. For decades the prevailing wisdom held that heart disease primarily affected men. Consequently, the vast majority of scientific research studies excluded women subjects. Researchers and physicians are now beginning to understand the magnitude of the problem in women, and to demonstrate that interventions that have proven benefits in men do not always provide the same benefits to women. Additionally, it has become clear that women with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) often present with different symptoms than men. Public awareness campaigns that sought to educate the public to recognize typical heart attack symtoms of chest pain radiating down the arm, chest pressure and tightness, overlooked the more suble symptoms that women often experience; indegestion, shortness of breath, profound fatigue or lightheadedness.

Although awareness is growing, it continues to be seen as a man's disease. In a survey conducted four years ago of more than 1,000 U.S. women, only 34% recognized heart disease as the leading cause of death in women. When the survey was repeated in 2003, this rose to 46%.3,4 Even so, most women do not believe they are personally at risk-- only 13% of women cited heart disease as their greatest health threat. Not suprising, since less than 40% of the women said their physicians had discussed heart disease with them. Herein lies the problem!

The Women's Institute for Cardiovascular Care was conceived to improve the cardiovascular health of women. A pioneering program in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women, The Women's Institute for Cardiovascular Care utilizes a multidisciplinary approach providing access to the most up-to-date preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for women at increased risk for cardiovascular disease or women who have known or suspected cardiovascular disease. The program focuses on prevention through education and awareness, as well as appropriate gender-specific diagnostic testing and treatment.

Consultation is performed in a comfortable, warm and respectful environment by a compassionate physician open to communication and willing to listen to patient concerns. A thorough evaluation focused on risk factor identification and a personalized risk factor modification program is provided to each woman. Gender-appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment is provided. Gender-specific educational materials related to cardiovascular disease are also provided.

Discussion of menopausal status, gynecologic history, hormone therapy use and how these issues relate to cardiovascular disease is discussed. Screening for diabetes, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome is performed.

When appropriate, referral for nutritional counseling, smoking cessation, and exercise counceling is offered to all patients.

Community outreach is offered to women in the form of WomenHeart support groups and community lecture and education programs. Patients are offered the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials.

*Note: Please access our Cardiovascular Education page for important links and educational web sites.

1. American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2005 Update, Dallas, TX, American Heart Association
2. Ibid
3. Mosca L, et al. Tracking Women's Awareness of Heart Disease: An American Heart Association National Study. Circulation. 2004;109:573-579.
4. Robertson RM. Women and Cardiovascular Disease: The Risks of Misperception and the Need for Action. Circulation. 2001;103:2318-2320.