Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women and accounts for one in five female deaths every year. Unfortunately, many women are not aware of their personal heart disease risk.

The Baptist Health Women’s Heart program is here to help. Our expert team of cardiologists specializes in caring for women who are at risk for heart disease due to personal or family health history.

Our Approach to Women’s Cardiology

Our Approach to Women’s Cardiology

When you choose Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, you can expect to find women’s cardiology experts focused on:

  • Empowering women by making them aware of their heart health risks
  • Providing heart care that’s uniquely designed for women
  • Improving the health and well-being of women at risk for heart disease 

Why Do Women Need Specialized Heart Care?

Heart disease often looks different in women than it does in men. Women may experience different symptoms as well. Heart disease tests and treatment for women may be different, too. This is why it is so important to have specialists skilled and trained to tailor care to women.

You probably already know that a heart-healthy diet, exercise and regular checkups can help lower your risk and identify problems early — when they’re easier to treat. However, you may not be aware that certain health conditions increase a woman’s risk for heart disease. These include:

  • Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
  • Being in menopause
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder characterized by irregular or dysfunctional ovulation, infertility and excess male hormones
  • Circadian rhythm disorders: Misalignment of the body’s internal clock with external time

Is the Women’s Heart Program Right for Me?

Our Women’s Heart program is here to help you keep your heart healthy. Consider making an appointment with our program if you have concerns about your heart health or have been diagnosed with any of the conditions listed below. Our team can give you a full evaluation and make sure you get the needed tests and treatment to lower your heart disease risk and enjoy the best health possible.

Cardiovascular conditions:

Other conditions:

  • Autoimmune diseases — including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Breast arterial calcification (calcium buildup in the middle layer of the breast’s arterial wall)
  • History of tobacco use
  • Family history of cardiovascular disease
  • Obesity
  • PCOS

What Will Happen at My First Appointment?

During your first appointment, you will meet with a cardiologist who specializes in women’s heart health. You will be asked about your health history, medications and any symptoms you’re having. Your cardiologist may order lab tests, imaging studies or screenings to get all the information necessary to develop a specific plan of care for you.
After getting a clear picture of your heart disease risk, your cardiologist will discuss what you can do to enjoy the best health possible. Your customized treatment plan may include: 

  • Changing your current medicine or starting a new medicine
  • Making healthy lifestyle changes 
  • Providing referrals to other specialists at Baptist Health who can help you manage conditions that are affecting your heart health

You and your cardiologist may decide on a treatment plan during the first appointment.  If your concerns are more complex, your cardiologist may consult with other doctors on your care team and then develop a care plan to discuss with you.

Can You Help Me Make Lifestyle Changes for Better Health?

The Women’s Heart program provides a range of support services to help you, including

  • Exercise counseling
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Quitting smoking
  • WomenHeart Support Group

Women's Cardiac Support Group

If you are a woman living with heart disease, you may benefit from extra support.  WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease sponsors monthly women’s cardiac support group meetings at Baptist Health.

Through these sessions, you will:

  • Learn about living with heart disease
  • Meet and connect with other women living with heart disease or a cardiac condition
  • Hear from a variety of healthcare and wellness professionals

To learn more about the national WomenHeart program, visit WomenHeart.org

Meet Our Women’s Cardiology Specialist

Our cardiologist has years of training and experience in women’s heart health.

Our Location

Cardiology | Pinecrest

13101 S Dixie Highway Suite 420
Pinecrest, Florida 33156

Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

For more information about the Women’s Heart program, please give us a call.

Recent Heart & Vascular Care News

Language Preference / Preferencia de idioma

I want to see the site in English

Continue In English

Quiero ver el sitio en Español

Continuar en español