Woman's Heart
Women's hearts – heart health for women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. More women die of heart disease than from all types of cancer combined. Risk factors make women especially vulnerable to heart disease, even at a young age.
Fortunately, women's long-term cardiovascular health can be significantly improved today, provided that certain conditions and risks are identified and treated early.
What are the risk factors for heart disease in women?
Certain risk factors may play an important role in the development of heart disease in women, and the symptoms may be quite different in women than in men.
Women with any of the following characteristics may be at increased risk for heart disease or rapid progression of heart disease. If you have any of these risk factors, you may benefit from a visit to our practice:
Inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease)
Complicated pregnancy history (gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or low birth weight of the infant)
Certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer (including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or lymphoma treatment)
Early menopause due to natural or medical causes (e.g. ovariectomy at a young age to treat certain cancers), especially before age 40
Diabetes or prediabetes
Current or past smoking
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol)
Obesity
Heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac death in the family, especially at a young age (male relatives under 45 years of age, female relatives under 55 years of age)
Personal history of heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease at a young age (under 65 years of age)
Emotional stress and depression. Stress and depression affect the heart more in women than in men. Depression can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to treatment recommendations for other conditions.
What can you expect on your first visit to our women's heart consultation?
During your first visit, a detailed anamnesis will be taken. In addition to family anamnesis and a review of your lifestyle habits, this also includes a reproductive anamnesis. The following examinations will also be carried out:
lipid analysis
biomarker screening
advanced cardiac imaging
We then create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to the female sex. Your risk factors are determined to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Multidisciplinary care
We work closely with other medical specialists such as rheumatologists, obstetricians, oncologists and gynecologists to develop an optimal treatment plan for you.
Particular attention is paid to the menopause and its effects on lipid metabolism and the cardiovascular system. Interdisciplinary collaboration is very important here.
Do you need a referral to see Dr. Konstantinou?
Generally not. However, some health insurance funds may require you to have a referral from your GP. Talk to us about your insurance plan so that the rules of your insurance company can be followed. This way, you can save money and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why choose Dr. Konstantinou as your cardiologist?
Dr. Konstantinou works closely with gynecologists and supports women's cardiovascular health throughout all stages of life (e.g. pregnancy, menopause, etc.). Cardiovascular therapy in women includes medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
Treatment for heart disease is generally similar for women and men. However, there are some differences between how heart disease is treated in men and women:
Women are less likely than men to receive medications to prevent future heart attacks. However, studies show that the benefits are similar for both groups.
Women are less likely than men to be candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, possibly because women suffer less from obstructive diseases or have smaller arteries, which are more often affected by small vessel disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation can improve health and aid recovery from heart disease. However, women are referred for cardiac rehabilitation less often than men.