Protecting Women’s Hearts in Midlife
The power of prevention is key to protecting a woman’s heart in midlife. Here’s how University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is minimizing risk factors
The Midlife Women’s Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is designed for adult women, primarily ages 30 to 75, who have no known cardiovascular disease and no current symptoms but may have risk factors that warrant a closer look.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, yet many women may not recognize their personal risk. Midlife is an especially important time to prioritize cardiovascular health, as hormonal changes, aging and other health conditions can influence the risk of developing heart disease.
During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels and changes in cholesterol, body composition and blood pressure can contribute to increasing cardiovascular risk. While menopause is a natural stage of life, it offers a chance to assess heart health and minimize potential problems.
“The midlife years are not just a time of change, but are an opportunity to invest in future health,” says Kyia Mountain, DNP, APRN-CNP, NBC-HWC, Nurse Practitioner in the Women’s Cardiovascular Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute.
Understanding Your Risk
Traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and a family history of premature coronary artery disease. However, women also have unique risk factors that deserve attention.
A history of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption or preterm delivery, may signal an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Early menopause, certain ovarian and hormonal conditions, and chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect heart health.
Cancer treatments involving certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation to the chest may increase cardiovascular risk. Understanding a woman’s complete medical and reproductive history helps healthcare professionals develop a more individualized prevention plan.
Importantly, women do not need to experience symptoms to benefit from a cardiovascular evaluation. Recognizing and addressing risk factors early may help prevent future heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular complications.
Personalized Prevention for Women
The Midlife Women’s Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is designed for adult women, primarily ages 30 to 75, who have no known cardiovascular disease and no current symptoms but may have risk factors that warrant a closer look.
The team has advanced training and extensive experience in customizing cardiovascular care to meet women’s specific needs. Its approach recognizes that a woman’s heart health is shaped by more than age or cholesterol levels alone.
Patients receive a comprehensive, individualized cardiovascular risk assessment that includes a review of blood work, risk calculators and appropriate cardiovascular testing. Depending on individual circumstances, testing may include laboratory studies and a coronary artery calcium score, an imaging test that can help identify calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
Following the assessment, the care team provides education and recommendations tailored to each woman’s results. These may include lifestyle changes, such as improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and managing blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as preventive medications when appropriate.
A Collaborative Approach to Women’s Health
One of the program’s key benefits is collaboration among cardiovascular specialists, women’s health professionals, primary care providers and the University Hospitals Connor Whole Health team. Patients also have access to advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to help inform their care.
This team-based approach supports a more comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular risk and helps women make informed decisions about prevention.
“I find great purpose in helping women recognize that prevention is one of the most powerful tools for protecting heart health, and that small changes today can lead to meaningful health benefits for years to come,” says Kyia.
Women’s Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic
Visits are available at UH Cleveland Medical Center and UH Minoff Health Center in Orange Village.
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