Cardiovascular disease is the number one health threat to women over age 25. Each year, six times as many women die of cardiovascular disease than breast cancer. The condition affects 10 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 64, and one in four women over 65 years of age - some 8 million women in all. More women than men die each year from heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions, yet women are less likely than men to receive appropriate care.
Research shows that women must be approached differently than men when it comes to cardiovascular health. Women's symptoms for cardiac and vascular disease may manifest differently, and in general, women develop the first signs of cardiovascular disease after menopause, which is about ten years later than men.
The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Center for Women's Cardiovascular Health is founded on the principles of identifying cardiovascular disease in women of all ages and providing care that is designed specifically for women. Marla A. Mendelson, MD, the medical director of the Center, is committed to meeting the needs of women affected by cardiovascular disease through a multidisciplinary team approach. Dr. Mendelson is joined by associate medical directors Vera H. Rigolin, MD and Martha Gulati, MD.
Together these physicians are dedicated to promoting women's awareness of cardiovascular health, addressing risk factors including stress, tobacco use, nutrition, and exercise, and committed to conducting research clinical trials to advance the knowledge of cardiovascular care for women.
The Center for Women's Cardiovascular Health is developing a standard of care that recognizes women as unique individuals and tailors treatment strategies to optimize their specific cardiovascular needs.
Contact
Center for Women's Cardiovascular Health
(866) 662-8467 (toll free)
