Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
However, for more than two decades, more women than men have died of heart disease
annually. Women face unique challenges and have particular needs when it comes to
cardiovascular health. One of the principal challenges is that the symptoms of heart
disease in women can be very different from those in men. The Women’s
Cardiovascular Program is uniquely qualified in its dedication to the
research, education and treatment of heart conditions affecting women.
Using the most advanced diagnostic equipment and treatments available, our cardiologists
work together to improve the quality of life for each patient we serve.
Video: Women's Cardiovascular Program
A Woman’s Heart Is Different
Although the overall mortality from heart disease in the U.S. has improved, one
in four women die of heart disease in the U.S. each year
Irrespective of age, when affected, women tend to have more complications,
heart failure and hospital re-entry with recurrent symptoms.
Most commonly, women develop a type of heart disease known as coronary artery disease
(CAD), a condition in which the arteries narrow making it difficult for the heart
to get sufficient blood supply. CAD is the leading cause of heart attacks, and while
both men and women have heart attacks, women are affected at high rate.
The signs of a heart attack are often different for women as well, which may lead
to a heart attack being unrecognized until it’s too late. The most common
symptoms of heart attack in women are:
- Burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms — discomfort may be described as pressure,
ache or tightness, and may come and go
- Pain or pressure in the back or upper chest
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue
- Weakness
It is important to recognize symptoms right away. If you think you are having a
heart attack, have someone take you to the hospital or call 911 immediately. Do
not wait to see whether your symptoms go away.
A Comprehensive Approach to Women’s Heart Care
Our team diagnoses and manages all aspects of women’s heart health, from early
diagnosis, appropriate imaging, monitoring, and treatment, to interventional and
non-interventional procedures, and to surgery and follow-up care.
With advanced technologies, access to the latest research and development, and perfecting
of new techniques and treatments found only at a leading academic health center,
patients find an unusually high number of services designed around the specific
needs of cardiac care for women. These include:
- Assessing cardiovascular risk factors unique to women
- Appropriate, gender-specific diagnostic testing
- Treating heart disease in women, such as:
- Providing specific treatments, such as:
Our personalized approach to heart care takes into consideration each woman’s
personal and family medical histories, as well as demands of her life situation
to determine the modes of care most appropriate for her best outcome.
Why Choose UF Health for Women’s Heart Care
As the region’s largest and most comprehensive cardiac care program for women,
we offer more diagnosis and treatment options and more monitoring and continuing
care than other facilities, which in many cases means better outcomes for cardiovascular
patients.
Our ability to stay on the leading edge of what’s coming next in cardiovascular
treatment and research means that each woman we serve receives the highest quality
of care available in a truly individualized, women-centered approach.
Jacksonville Cardiologists
Locations
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Ambulatory Care Center, 5th Floor
655 West 8th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32209
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Suite 3600
15255 Max Leggett Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218