Women's Cardiovascular Health Program

Nearly half a million women die from heart disease and stroke each year.  Coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke are the three forms of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which comprise the No. 1 killer of women in America today.  More women will die from CVD than from the top five forms of cancer combined.  

While most people are familiar with the symptoms and risk factors for CVD, few realize that there are important differences between men and women in terms of how the disease is manifested. Studies show that women with suspected CVD are less likely than men to be referred for diagnostic testing and less likely to undergo invasive testing or aggressive early treatment.  This gender bias alone is reason enough for women to take a proactive role in understanding their risk of CVD. 

To help combat CVD in women, UC San Diego Health System has developed the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program.  The program is led by a group of female physicians dedicated to helping women understand, prevent and treat the disease.  Risk screening evaluations are available for women who think they may be at risk for heart disease or stroke, and want to learn how to manage their risk through lifestyle modifications or other recommended measures. For those women with suspected disease, or already diagnosed with CVD, the program will provide them with the tools needed to manage the disease.