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Quality Cardiac Care For Women, By Women

Female patient and physicianMany women are surprised to learn that heart disease is the most dangerous threat to their health. The fact that cardiovascular diseases claim more women’s lives than the next 16 causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer – can be a sobering one.

Studies show that women continue to receive less cardiovascular care across the entire healthcare spectrum. At the Women’s Heart Center, we help address this diagnosis and treatment gap with earlier detection, comprehensive diagnostics, the most advanced treatment options and clinical trials, and effective rehabilitation services.

The dedicated physicians at Deborah are specially trained to diagnose and treat heart disease in women. Our female patients benefit from an all-female team – including a cardiologist, pulmonologist and hospitalist – who truly understand their unique needs.

Fast Facts
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US, accounting for 1 in every 5 female deaths.
  • Women have a poorer survival then men in years after first heart attack.
  • A woman’s heart attack usually occurs while she’s at rest.
  • A woman’s symptoms are subtle and may include shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, pain in the stomach, jaw or neck, nausea, dizziness and swelling of the ankles.
Dr. Bullock-Palmer

Women and Heart Disease

A Deborah Health Report Podcast with Renee Bullock-Palmer, MD

Know the Signs of an Unhealthy Heart

Heart Attack

  • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Heart Disease

  • Shortness of breath, most commonly, while at rest, or even while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up.
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing, especially coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain.
  • Tiredness and fatigue, even during everyday activities such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking.
  • Lack of appetite, nausea or a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach.
  • Confusion, impaired thinking, memory loss and feelings of disorientation.
  • Increased heart rate or heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or throbbing.

If you have more than one of these symptoms, report them to a healthcare professional and ask for an evaluation of your heart.

Older woman in medical consultation with her doctor

Why Deborah?

  • The Women’s Heart Center has played a key role in numerous clinical research trials, including the PROMISE trial which investigates non-invasive strategies and technologies to improve diagnosis and management of women with heart disease; the PROTECTION VI study which looked at reducing radiation dosages in cardiac diagnosis; and the LUCY study which focused on peripheral arterial disease in women.
  • In conjunction with the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia, Deborah annually sponsors the Role of Cardiac Imaging in Female Patients, drawing together regional experts in the field.
Nurse working with technology in operating room

In alliance with Cleveland Institute Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic

Deborah Heart and Lung Center is an alliance member of Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. Cleveland Clinic’s heart program is nationally ranked. This alliances allows for the sharing of best practices, new treatments and therapies. Patients benefit from:

  • Highest quality care
  • Sharing of best practices
  • Cutting-edge technologies
  • Advances in treatments

Terms & Conditions

By participating in this quiz, or screening or health assessment, I recognize and accept all risks associated with it. I understand that the program will only screen for certain risk factors and does not constitute a complete physical exam. For the diagnosis of a medical problem, I must see a physician for a complete medical exam. I release Deborah Heart and Lung Center and any other organization(s) involved in this screening, and their employees and agents, from all liabilities, medical claims or expenses which may arise from my participation. Thank you for investing in your health by participating today.