Women’s Heart Health Program

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Yet many women do not realize they are at risk, in part because heart disease can look and feel different in women than in men.

Women often develop heart disease later in life, but the risk increases quickly after menopause. When heart attacks occur in women, they are often more severe and more likely to be missed.

Heart care designed for women

The UAB Women’s Heart Health Program is focused on early detection, prevention, and personalized care for women at every stage of life. Our team understands how heart health can be affected by pregnancy, menopause, stress, and other conditions unique to women. When needed, we work closely with other UAB specialists to help ensure coordinated care for complex or overlapping medical needs.

Our program also emphasizes prevention and education, to help women better understand their heart health and take action early.

Understanding your risk

Many women who experience heart disease never had clear warning signs. Others notice symptoms that don’t match what they expect.

Common risk factors may include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Being overweight or inactive
• Stress and hormonal changes, including menopause

The good news is that many heart conditions can be prevented or managed. With the right care and lifestyle changes, heart disease and stroke can be reduced by up to 90%, according to the American Heart Association.

Conditions we commonly see

Patients are referred to the Women’s Heart Health Program for a variety of concerns, including:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Fatigue, dizziness, or reduced exercise tolerance
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• High blood pressure or cholesterol that is difficult to control
• Heart symptoms during or after pregnancy
• Conditions that are more common or present differently in women, including chest pain with nonobstructive coronary arteries, pregnancy-related heart conditions, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Our goal is to listen carefully, identify the cause of symptoms, and create a personalized plan of care.

Our approach to care

Your care may include:

• A complete review of your heart disease risk
• Advanced testing, when needed
• Personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle changes and medications
• Collaboration with other UAB specialists when heart health overlaps with pregnancy, congenital heart conditions, or complex medical needs

Patients may also have access to specialized prevention services and opportunities to participate in research studies, when appropriate.

To be seen by our program, please ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

Care Providers

Resources

• American Heart Association
• Life’s Essential 8™ for Women | Go Red for Women
• Women’s Health Awareness Flyer
• UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease