Have a heart to heart with one of our cardiologists
At the Lankenau Heart Institute just minutes from the city of Philadelphia, our cardiac experts understand the unique heart health needs of women and are proud to feature a team of thirteen female cardiologists. From prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, when it comes to matters of the heart, a woman’s insight is invaluable.
According to the American Heart Association, one in every three women die each year of heart disease—yet only 44 percent of women are aware of this fact.
Women's Heart Initiative is a comprehensive health care program specifically dedicated to education and awareness about women's heart care. The goal is to empower women to Learn, Act, and Live—to help women recognize the warning signs of heart disease and encourage them to have open discussions with their physicians about their heart care.
Heart disease a number one killer of women
Cardiovascular disease is NOT just a man’s disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women over the age of 25 in the United States, regardless of race or ethnicity, causing more deaths than all types of cancer combined. In many cases, heart disease is preventable. Taking care of our hearts begins with knowledge and awareness, followed by desire and supporting action.
Preventive screening tests
There are many heart health screening tests available. Please talk to your health care provider to see which tests are right for you.
Heart attack symptoms unique to women
Experts say most women are so busy taking care of those around them they fail to take care of themselves and often ignore symptoms of heart attack. The most common symptom is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest, but it’s not always severe or even the most prominent symptom. Sometimes women may have a heart attack without chest pain. Women are more likely than men to have heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Right arm pain
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
In many cases, heart disease is preventable. Taking care of our hearts begins with knowledge and awareness, followed by desire and supporting action.
National Coalition of Women Heart National Hospital Alliance
Main Line Health is committed to advancing women’s heart health through its partnership with the National Coalition of Women Heart National Hospital Alliance. This partnership seeks to ensure that women with heart disease in the communities we serve have access to educational materials and programs developed by the nation’s medical leaders in women’s heart health, and access to the training and technical assistance required to establish and maintain our post-discharge from the hospital support group called "Heart to Heart Conversations" for our female heart patients.
Cardiovascular clinical trials at Main Line Health
Main Line Health uses clinical trials to help prevent, diagnose and treat the full range of heart and vascular conditions. Together we strive for a future that includes earlier detection of heart disease in women and women-centric research to help improve treatments and outcomes. Learn more about the cardiovascular clinical trials currently being offered by our renowned cardiologists and heart and vascular surgeons.