Why Women's Cardiology?

Heart disease is the leading killer of American women, causing more deaths than all cancers combined. Despite this, women with cardiac illness are often not diagnosed with heart problems until later in their disease, compared to men. Why is this? There could be many reasons. The symptoms of cardiac illness experienced by women are often “atypical” and may be mistaken for other problems by women themselves as well as their doctors. We have seen patients with heart attacks who were told they were having gallstones, or anxiety, or the flu. Equally importantly, daily life stressors, such as taking on multiple roles and responsibilities, can not only contribute to the development of cardiac symptoms and illnesses, but can lead women to delay seeking treatment.

How does cardiac disease differ in women? The unique challenges posed by hormone fluctuations related to pregnancy, menopause, and menses may cause heart problems including palpitations or changes in cholesterol levels. In addition, women are disproportionately affected by conditions of inflammation and autoimmune disease, which can increase cardiac risk.