Specialized Heart Care for Women

At Los Angeles Heart Specialists, we understand that women’s hearts are different, and that heart disease in women requires specialized attention. Our women’s heart health program provides expert cardiac care tailored specifically to the unique needs, risk factors, and experiences of women.

Heart Disease: Women’s Greatest Health Threat

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet heart disease in women remains under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated.

Research shows that:

• Women are more likely to die from a first heart attack than men
• Women are less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatments
• Women’s heart disease symptoms are often misdiagnosed or dismissed
• Standard risk calculators may underestimate women’s cardiovascular risk

Our women’s heart health program exists to change these statistics by providing expert, women-focused cardiac care.

Why Women’s Heart Health is Different

Different Symptoms

While chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both sexes, women are more likely to experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Back, neck, or jaw pain
• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms

These “atypical” symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis when women or their healthcare providers don’t recognize them as cardiac in origin.

Different Risk Factors

In addition to traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking, women face unique risks including:

Pregnancy Complications

• Preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
• Gestational diabetes
• Preterm delivery
• Pregnancy loss

These complications signal increased cardiovascular risk for decades afterward, even if the woman’s health returns to normal after pregnancy.

Hormonal Factors

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Early menopause (before age 40)
• Hormone therapy considerations

Autoimmune Conditions

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Other inflammatory conditions

These conditions, which are more common in women, increase cardiovascular risk.

Cancer Treatment

• Certain chemotherapy drugs
• Radiation to the chest
• Hormonal treatments

Different Heart Disease Patterns

Women are more likely to develop certain types of heart disease:

• Coronary microvascular disease (affecting small arteries)
• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (stress-induced)

These conditions may not be detected by standard testing and require specialized expertise to diagnose and treat.

Our Women’s Heart Health Program

Comprehensive Risk Assessment

We conduct thorough evaluations that include women-specific risk factors often overlooked in standard assessments:

• Complete pregnancy history
• Menopause timing and symptoms
• Autoimmune conditions
• Cancer treatment history
• Family history with attention to female relatives
• Mental health and stress factors

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

When needed, we offer specialized testing to evaluate heart health:

• Stress echocardiography
• Coronary CT angiography
• Advanced lipid testing
• Inflammatory markers
• Other cardiac imaging

Personalized Prevention Plans

Based on your individual risk profile, we develop customized prevention strategies:

• Lifestyle modification guidance
• Optimal management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Weight management support
• Stress reduction techniques
• Medication therapy when indicated

Treatment Expertise

For women with established heart disease, we provide:

• Medical therapy optimized for women’s responses
• Interventional and surgical options when needed
• Cardiac rehabilitation designed for women
• Ongoing management and monitoring

Heart Health Through Life Stages

Young Women

Heart disease isn’t just a problem for older women. We help young women understand their risk factors and establish heart-healthy habits early.

Pregnancy

For women with heart conditions or those at high risk, we provide specialized care during pregnancy planning and throughout pregnancy to protect both mother and baby.

Perimenopause and Menopause

The menopausal transition brings significant changes in cardiovascular risk. We help women navigate this period with appropriate screening, prevention strategies, and management of menopausal symptoms.

Later Life

We provide ongoing care for women with established heart disease and those focused on maintaining heart health through their later decades.

Creating a Supportive Environment

We recognize that women’s cardiac concerns have historically been dismissed or minimized. Our practice is committed to:

• Taking your symptoms seriously
• Listening carefully to your concerns
• Explaining diagnoses and treatments clearly
• Involving you in decisions about your care
• Providing a comfortable, supportive environment

Our team includes female cardiologists who understand the unique experience of women’s heart care.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health

Whether you’re seeking preventive care, have concerning symptoms, or are managing existing heart disease, our women’s heart health program provides the specialized expertise you deserve. Don’t wait for symptoms to be taken seriously, come to a practice that already understands women’s unique cardiac needs.

Contact Los Angeles Heart Specialists today to schedule an appointment with our women’s heart health team.