Women's Heart Health

Heart disease is the top cause of death in women - responsible for more deaths than all kinds of cancer combined.

Unfortunately, heart attacks are more likely to be missed in women, and they remain under-treated. Dr Harkin witnessed this first hand in her training, and from this experience, has become a fierce advocate for proactive, female specific cardiovascular care. You will be heard.

Women are not tiny men

Risk factors for heart disease in women include the traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but also unique risks such as

  • premature menopause

  • preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy related risk factors

  • PCOS

  • autoimmune and inflammatory disorders

Additionally, the symptoms of heart disease in women can be different than in men. While women may have classic chest pain, they are more likely than men to present with nausea, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, or anxiety.

Women are also more likely than men to have other types of heart disease like microvascular disease and spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Dr Harkin understands the unique concerns women experience throughout the course of their life, including pregnancy, PCOS, perimenopause & menopause.

Believe it or not, studies have shown that female doctors tend to listen more, and their female patients tend to have better outcomes

The doctor you choose can make all the difference in the world.