Health Care for Women by Women

Women and Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease has long been considered a “man’s disease,” but the reality is just the opposite. Heart disease, especially coronary heart disease and stroke, is now the leading cause of death in women in the United States, outnumbering deaths from breast cancer. For every woman who dies from breast cancer, five will die from heart disease. The following insights may help explain why:

• Symptoms may differ between men and women, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
• Women take responsibility for their family’s health care, but may ignore or minimize their own health care needs.
• Women are less likely than men to seek immediate treatment for a cardiac event, which increases their chances of dying from their first heart attack.

Dedicated to Improving Women's Heart Health

St. Luke’s Women’s Heart Clinic was developed by women for women, with the goal of helping women of all ages improve their heart health. The all-female team may include a cardiologist, nurse practitioner, dietitian and exercise physiologist, who tap into the most current clinical data on cardiovascular disease in women. From this uniquely female-centered perspective, patients learn about:

• Personal risk factors
• Action steps that can help prevent the onset of heart disease
• Treatment options and ways to manage existing conditions

In addition to addressing physical health concerns, clinic staff consider the whole person, recognizing that social and psychological factors can impact the patient’s heart health.

Initial Patient Visit

During the initial clinic visit, the health care team works closely with individual patients to:

Determine the patient’s risk of heart disease, using:

• Health history and physical exam
• Vital signs assessment
• Blood tests for cholesterol and glucose levels
• Body mass index (BMI) calculation

Evaluate the need for additional diagnostic tests

Create an individualized heart health plan, which may include:

• Nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian
• Individualized activity plan by an exercise physiologist
• Invitation to attend the Women’s Heart Disease Support Group

Plan for follow-up visits

Referral

St. Luke’s Women’s Heart Clinic accepts provider or self referrals.

Cost

Please check with your medical insurance plan to determine insurance coverage.

To Make an Appointment

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 218.249.6000.

Location

Lakeview Building, 1001 East Superior Street, Suite L201, Duluth, MN 55802