Women’s Heart Program

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Certain risk factors put women at unique risk for heart disease, even at younger ages. Fortunately, women’s long-term cardiovascular health can be greatly improved when certain conditions and risks are identified and treated early.

The cardiologists at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Women’s Heart Program are experts in caring for women’s unique cardiovascular health needs. Our mission is to identify women at increased risk for heart disease, prevent disease development and progression, as well as improve overall health and social wellbeing.  

How We Treat Women at Risk for Heart Disease

All cardiologists at our Center are experts in evaluating the symptoms and risks associated with heart disease in women. All patients at our Center receive an in-depth cardiovascular evaluation completed by one of our women’s cardiology experts. This evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical history
• Family history and review of lifestyle habits
• Pregnancy/reproductive history
• Lipid analysis
• Biomarker screening
• Advanced cardiac imaging

Personalized treatment plan: This evaluation, along with a thorough physical exam, enables our cardiologists to determine your risk factors and develop an individualized plan to reduce the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery, or angioplasty.

Multi-disciplinary care: Our Center develops a comprehensive plan to treat and manage any current conditions, as well as prevent future problems. Your health plan may include:

• Diet and exercise suggestions
• Medication changes
• Stress reduction suggestions

We work closely with other specialists, including rheumatologists, obstetricians, oncologists, and others to develop optimal an optimal treatment plan for you.

Cardiac Risks for Women

Specific risk factors can play a significant role in the development of heart disease in women—and symptoms may be very different for women than men. 

Women with any of the following characteristics may be at increased risk for heart disease or rapid progression of heart disease. If you have any of these risk factors, you will benefit from an evaluation by our Women’s Cardiology Team.

• Inflammatory disorders or rheumatologic disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease)
• History of complicated pregnancy (gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or low birth weight of the baby)
• Certain chemotherapies and radiation therapies for cancer treatment (including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or lymphoma treatment)
• History of premature menopause from natural or medical causes (for example, oophorectomy at a young age for the treatment of certain cancers) especially below the age of 40 years
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Current or prior history of smoking
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol)
• Overweight status
• Family history of heart attack, stroke, or sudden death, especially at an early age (less than 45 years old in a male relative or less than 55 years old in a female relative)
• Personal history of heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease at an early age (less than 65 years)

Services Offered