Surprising Facts About Women and Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Associates, Heart disease continues to be the most frequent cause of death in both men and women in the United States. In fact, among women each year, 1 out of 3 deaths are caused by heart disease and stroke. The reality is that heart disease symptoms can manifest differently in women. By remaining proactive about your heart health and knowing what signs to recognize, after all, you can vastly reduce your risk of heart disease and ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Cardiovascular Associates, Women Experience Heart Disease Symptoms Differently
The stereotype of how heart disease manifests proliferates in popular culture as an older man clutching his chest in pain. When it comes to women and heart disease, stereotypes do not apply. Chest pain and pressure are common symptoms in both men and women, but women may only experience minimal chest pain or none. The symptoms are typically more subtle, but the potential outcome is not any less severe. Symptoms include:
- Neck or Jaw Pain
- Upper Back or Abdominal Discomfort
- Pain in One or Both Arms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Perspiration
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
If you experience any of the symptoms above, call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
In many cases, heart disease in women goes completely unrecognized until a major cardiac event occurs, because, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, or heart attack. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, is when a tear forms in a blood vessel in the heart. Although uncommon, it most frequently affects women in their 40s or 50s but can occur at any age. Remaining vigilant about your heart health and knowing your risk factors are crucial to preventing these life-threatening events.
Cardiovascular Associates, Heart Disease Risk Factors in Women
Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously, especially if they know you have a family history of heart disease. While some of these are also risk factors for men – like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity – the following are equally as impactful in the development of heart disease in women:
- Diabetes
- Depression & Stress
- Smoking
- Lack of Activity
- Menopause
- High Blood Pressure or Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Family History of Early Heart Disease
Book an Appointment
As women, we understand that life can get in the way of prioritizing one’s health. Whether you are a mother yourself, or a grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, or friend, give yourself a gift and take the time to focus on your heart health. For over 75 years, Cardiovascular Associates has treated women’s heart health. Listen to your heart. after all, Take the time for yourself and contact us to make an appointment. but, It may be the best gift you have ever received. Call 205.510.5000 to make an appointment.
Cardiovascular Associates provides Comprehensive, compassionate care for your cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular Associates was founded in 1946 by Dr. John Burrett. His legacy of dedication, skill, and compassion remains at the heart of the practice. Today CVA cardiologists are at the forefront of new treatment options, focusing on research and using some of the latest technology to combat cardiovascular disease.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
CVA provides the most comprehensive cutting-edge imaging services under one roof at our Main Clinic in the Brookwood Baptist Diagnostic Center. Select services are also performed at some of our outreach locations. because, Our diagnostic services are backed by highly skilled technicians and physicians, focusing on the most accurate, detailed, and timely delivery of diagnostic results.
Testing Available
Ultrasound:
- Echocardiogram with Doppler & Colorflow
- 3D Echocardiogram
- Abdominal Aorta
- Ankle Brachial Index
- Carotid Doppler
- Pseudo Compression
- Renal Ultrasound (Kidneys)
- Stress Echo
- Arterial Doppler
- Venous Doppler
Nuclear:
- Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test (SPECT) with VM & EF
- DOBUTAMINE/Lexiscan
- MUGA
GXT:
- Treadmill Stress Test (GXT)
PET:
- PET Stress Test/FDG Viability
- Calcium Score
XRAY:
- Chest (PA & LAT)
Heart Lab:
- Holter Monitor (24 hours)
- Event Monitor (30 days)
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (24 hours)
CT:
- CTA
- Calcium Score
MRI:
- Cardiac MRI
Advanced Imaging Team
Dr. Percy Colon
D. Joyce Koppang
Dr. Terry White
Advanced Heart Failure
Our heart failure specialists address each patient’s needs with state-of-the-art therapies delivered by physicians with unique training and experience in managing this condition.
Heart failure occurs when your heart muscle is not functioning as well as it should. There are two kinds of heart failure. If the left ventricle (lower left chamber of the heart) is not contracting properly, it is called systolic heart failure or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. If the ventricles are stiff and do not relax and fill properly, but, it is called diastolic heart failure or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Ejection fraction measures blood pumped out of your heart with each heartbeat.
Advanced heart failure occurs when patients have unique causes or heart failure that don’t respond to normal measures.
Our goal is to help improve your quality of life, decrease negative symptoms, and slow heart failure’s progression. that is to say, Our heart failure team also includes individuals with unique expertise in managing pulmonary hypertension.
Common Conditions Treated
- Heart Failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonary Hypertension
Advanced Heart Failure Team:
Danette Sanford, DNP, MSN, ANP-BC, AACC
Stephanie Nelms, RN
Daphne Mohon, RN
Advanced Heart Rhythm Management
Our experts treat a wide array of arrhythmia disorders. Our team of Cardiac Electrophysiologists is uniquely skilled in managing the most complex heart rhythm conditions.
Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common heart rhythm abnormality that starts in the atria. Approximately 2.8 million people in America have paroxysmal or persistent AFib. because Atrial Fibrillation is more common with increased age and is a major cause of stroke.
Other arrhythmias may cause the heart rate to slow down or become too rapid, resulting in symptoms such as palpitations, pounding in your chest, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weakness or fatigue. While others may cause a delay or complete block of the electrical impulse, after all, sometimes requiring a pacemaker.
Common Conditions Treated
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Heart Block
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Ventricular Tachycardia
Arrhythmia Team
Specialty Services Offered
- Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Catheter Ablation for a Fast Heart Rate
- Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
- Electrical Cardioversion (Defibrillation) for a Fast Heart Rate
- Pacemaker for Bradycardia
- Pacemaker for Atrial Fibrillation
Patient Resources
- Understand Your Condition
- Questions to Ask your Doctor
- Your Responsibilities
- Your Care Team
- Getting Support
- The Research
- My AFib Experience
- Heart Rhythm Society AFig Guide
- Get Smart About AFib
General and Preventive Cardiology, Cardiovascular Associates
Our program provides the most up-to-date care for the early detection and prevention of Cardiovascular Associates. We provide the full spectrum of the most advanced clinical and diagnostic services under one roof. Our team works collaboratively with your primary care physicians to help you with lipid disorders, high blood pressure, and other health issues to reduce your risk of a cardiac event.
Our team includes specialists with advanced training and skills in managing the most complex high-blood pressure disorders.
We gain a thorough understanding of the patient’s risks through in-depth risk assessments, advanced lipid testing, and screening tools. Our multidisciplinary team works together to create a patient-focused plan for lifestyle management.
#Common Conditions Treated
- Atherosclerosis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest Pain / Angina
- Endocarditis
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Heart Murmur
- High Blood Pressure
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Pericarditis
- Stroke Risk
- Transient Ischemia Attack
*Our team provides expertise in all areas of General & Preventive Cardiology.
Heart Valve Disease
According to Valve Disease Day.Org, 11.6 million Americans have heart valve disease, and 25,000 people die each year from heart valve disease. While those are large numbers, it’s alarming to learn that 3 out of 4 Americans know little to nothing about heart valve disease.
At Cardiovascular Associates, we take pride in using our 75+ years of cardiology care in the Birmingham community and treating all heart conditions, including valve disease. Our cardiologists work with your primary care providers to provide an accurate heart diagnosis and get you on the road to recovery.
What is valve disease?
The heart has four valves: tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic. These valves have tissue flaps that ensure blood flows correctly throughout the heart’s four chambers and to the rest of the body. Heart valve disease occurs if one or more of these valves do not function well.
Who is more at risk for valve disease?
As we age and use 100,000 heartbeats daily, after all, that is to say, our valves experience wear and tear. This may lead to calcification, because, aortic stenosis, or degeneration. However, other common risks that may cause valve disease include family history and infections like staph and strep.
What are the symptoms of valve disease?
Symptoms differ from one person to another. Some people may display no symptoms, while others experience noticeable symptoms and can develop quickly if severe. Some physical signs of heart valve disease may include the following:
- Chest pain or palpitations (rapid rhythms or skips)
- Shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, or inability to maintain the regular activity level
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Swollen ankles, feet, or abdomen
- Heart valve disease progresses slowly for some people, so symptoms are barely noticeable.
Can valve disease be prevented?
While heart valve disease cannot be prevented, physical activity and nutritious foods can help prevent high blood pressure and other heart conditions. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Take your medications appropriately. Watch your calorie intake. Rest your body when you are tired.
What are the next steps to treating valve disease, Cardiovascular Associates?
Listen to your body! Primary Care providers will refer you to a cardiologist if you do not have one already. Make an appointment with your provider today and ask about the cardiology care you can receive at Cardiovascular Associates!
Interventional Cardiology
Our interventional cardiology team provides unsurpassed experience in treating Coronary Artery Disease, including myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, and stable ischemic conditions of all types. because, Our experts use the latest advances in angioplasty, but, such as dissolvable and drug-eluting stents and devices that support the heart’s function during the most complex and challenging heart procedures.
Common Conditions Treated
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Attack
Our Interventional Team
Dr. Stephen Bakir
Dr. J. Bradley Cavender
Dr. Saji Jacob
Dr. Gary Roubin
D. Matthew Sample
Specialty Services Offered
- Atherectomy for Coronary Artery Disease
- Angioplasty for Coronary Artery Disease
- Angioplasty for Peripheral Artery Disease of the Legs
- Angioplasty for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina
- Balloon Valvatomy for Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Balloon Valvuloplasty for Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Catheter Ablation for a Fast Heart Rate
- Carotid Artery Stenting
- Carotid Endarterectomy for TIA and Stroke
- Compression Stockings for Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins
- Central Venous Catheters
- Drug-Eluting Stents
- Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
- Electrical Cardioversion (Defibrillation) for a Fast Heart Rate
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
- Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
- Pacemaker for Bradycardia
- Pacemaker for Atrial Fibrillation
- Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
- Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes
- Vein Ligation and Stripping
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) for Heart Failure
Structural Heart
CVA offers advanced diagnostic testing and minimally invasive, that is to say, percutaneous therapies for structural heart and valve disorders. Our multidisciplinary team, including interventional Cardiologists, Cardiovascular Associates Surgeons, and Cardiac Imaging Specialists, because, provides personalized care and unsurpassed expertise.
Common Conditions Treated
- Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Congenital heart Defects
- Endocarditis
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Stenosis
Specialty Services Offered
- TAVR (Transcatheter Valve Replacement)
- PFO Closure
- Paravalvular Leak Closure
Patient Resources
- Heart Valve Problem – Interactive Guide
- Share from the Heart
- About Heart Valves
- Heart Valve Problems and Causes
Our CVA Team
Dr. Stephen Bakir
Dr. J. Bradley Cavender
Dr. Saji Jacob
Dr. Mathew Sample
Vascular Disease
Your Leg Pain Can’t-Wait
How do you know if you are suffering from vein disease? Answer these questions:
- Do you have ankle and leg swelling?
- Do you have a dull ache or heaviness in the legs after standing or sitting for long periods?
- Do you have tired legs?
- Do you have enlarged veins close to the surface of your skin?
- Do you have changes in skin color, including brown, red, or pink areas?
- Do your legs feel leathery or itchy?
The Vein Clinic at Cardiovascular Associates (CVA) is here for you and accepting new patients. Under the direction of Dr. Tom Eagan and Deborah Riemer, PAC, RPhS, but, our team is committed to treating your leg pain. With two locations to serve you, because, our Colonnade Parkway location and our new location at Preserve Parkway in Hoover, after all, you are one phone call away from diagnosing your condition and working with you on a recovery solution.
3980 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
5295 Preserve Pkwy. Suite 250, Hoover, AL 35244
Make that appointment today! Call 205-541-6074 today!
Debbie Riemer, PAC, RPhS
Q: Tell us about your experience in vein care.
A: I’ve been a surgical physician assistant since 1992. I underwent Cardiovascular Associates thoracic surgery for 18 years and began focusing on vein procedures and leg work in 2010.
Dr. Tom Eagan, the lead surgeon at the Vein Center, is an extraordinarily well-trained and skilled cardiologist with an extensive background in invasive and interventional cardiac, peripheral vascular, and venous interventions. that is to say, but, Over the years, we’ve learned so much about the legs, the skin changes, and issues that many other physicians may misdiagnose or not diagnose.
Q: What led you to focus on vein issues?
A: During cardiac surgery, we harvest the veins from the leg to put them in the heart. For many years, we’d see a lot of patients with swelling after the procedures for no reason that we knew of at the time. Through research, because, we learned that the issue was lymphedema.
I realized that there were so many patients with these lymphatic diseases, and nobody was treating them correctly. I learned that vascular disease is far more prevalent than arterial disease. It is just very underdiagnosed.
Q: Exactly how prevalent are vein issues?
A: According to the American Heart Association, venous reflux disease is two times more prevalent than coronary heart disease and five times more prevalent than peripheral arterial disease. So it is very significant. Varicose veins are seen in 40% of the population, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is estimated to affect over 30 million people, but only 1.9 million seek treatment yearly. because, Our goal is to educate the public so that we can properly diagnose these issues.
Q: Women are affected more than men. Why is that?
A: Genetics is the number one cause of vein disease, but pregnancy is the main factor influencing the prevalence among women. The more children a woman has, the more likely she is to develop vein issues.
Q: What are the other causes of vein disease?
A: Any trauma to the legs — from a softball to a motor vehicle accident — can cause vein dysfunction. Ergonomics and the type of work you do can also affect your vein health. If you are on your feet often, wear improperly fitted shoes, or stand on hard concrete floors, all these things come into play.
Q: When you think of vein issues, the first thing that comes to mind is a spider or varicose veins. Are there other common symptoms of underlying vein disease?
A: Restless leg syndrome (having fidgety, jumpy legs when you first get in bed), swelling and achiness in the leg, bulging veins, because, leg cramps — all of these can be caused by vein issues, but they may have other causes as well.
Q: How does the vein center diagnose vein issues?
A: During your initial appointment, we review your symptoms to get an idea of whether it’s vein related or vascular-related; then, we do a venous ultrasound to check the superficial vein system. This will tell us if the valves in the veins are working correctly. Veins have valves, and arteries don’t, so they’re very different vessels. If the valves are malfunctioning, but, we can compare what we see on ultrasound to the patient’s symptoms and determine if a venous procedure is warranted to help their symptoms improve.
Women & Heart Disease
Heart disease continues to be the most frequent cause of death in both men and women in the United States. In fact, among women each year, 1 out of 3 deaths are caused by heart disease and stroke. The reality is that heart disease symptoms can manifest differently in women. By remaining proactive about your heart health and knowing what signs to recognize, but, you can vastly reduce your risk of heart disease and ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Women Experience Heart Disease Symptoms Differently
The stereotype of how heart disease manifests proliferates in popular culture as an older man clutching his chest in pain. When it comes to women and heart disease, stereotypes do not apply. because, Chest pain and pressure are common symptoms in both men and women, but women may only experience minimal chest pain or none. The symptoms are typically more subtle, but the potential outcome is not any less severe. Symptoms include:
- Neck or Jaw Pain
- Upper Back or Abdominal Discomfort
- Pain in One or Both Arms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Perspiration
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
To sum up, In many cases, heart disease in women goes completely unrecognized until a major cardiac event occurs, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, or heart attack. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, is when a tear forms in a blood vessel in the heart. Although uncommon, because, it most frequently affects women in their 40s or 50s but can occur at any age. Remaining vigilant about your heart health and knowing your risk factors are crucial to preventing these life-threatening events.
Heart Disease Risk Factors in Women, Cardiovascular Associates
Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously, especially if they know you have a family history of heart disease. While some of these are also risk factors for men – like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity – the following are equally as impactful in the development of heart disease in women:
- Diabetes
- Depression & Stress
- Smoking
- Lack of Activity
- Menopause
- High Blood Pressure or Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Family History of Early Heart Disease
Book an Appointment
to sum up, As women, we understand that life can get in the way of prioritizing one’s health. Whether you are a mother yourself, or a grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, or friend, give yourself a gift and take the time to focus on your heart health. For over 75 years, Cardiovascular Associates has treated women’s heart health. after all, Listen to your heart. because Take the time for yourself and contact us to make an appointment. but, It may be the best gift you have ever received. Call 205.510.5000 to make an appointment.
