Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.—one in five women. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) saw the need for specialized cardiac care for women over 25 years ago and established the Women's Heart and Vascular Program. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest women's heart and vascular programs in the country, a standout among similar programs in that it's headed up and staffed by female cardiologists.
The team makeup is intentional and allows a true connection between the female physician and her patients—as if she was walking in their shoes.
Program cardiologists understand that women have unique risk factors for heart disease, unique symptoms and treatment needs all their own. Women often are the household CEO and put their health needs last. The Women's Heart and Vascular Program at LVHN understands the challenges of balancing work and family life, and partners with patients to create and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
In this program, women can consult with female heart experts for prevention, treatment and management of a wide range of heart conditions. Life events or conditions that can present unique heart health challenges for women include pregnancy complications—such as high blood pressure when pregnant, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes—menopause, cancer therapies, vascular disease and autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
LVHN Women's Heart and Vascular Program cardiologists are conveniently located around the region so patients can get superior care closer to home.
With compassion, kindness and plenty of listening, the Women's Heart and Vascular Program is achieving amazing results every day, results that save more women's lives.
Published as part of Faces of the Valley in the May 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
