Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Yet, symptoms in women are often missed, misinterpreted or diagnosed later than they should be. A women’s heart health clinic can change that.
Specialized clinics offer a space where women can receive comprehensive, personalized cardiac care that reflects their unique biology, symptom patterns and life stages. In our Cincinnati market, the Women’s Heart and Coronary Microvascular Disease Program as part of the Heart Institute is designed to address women’s heart health.
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or want to better understand your risk, make an appointment with your primary care provider to get a referral to the clinic.
Why a women-only cardiology clinic matters
For decades, cardiology research and diagnostic standards were based primarily on male populations. This means women’s symptoms – especially nontraditional ones – were often overlooked. A women’s heart health clinic is built specifically to address these long-standing gaps.
“Women often have heart disease that doesn’t look the way it traditionally does in men,” says Victoria Zysek, DO, MBA, FACC, a cardiologist in our Cincinnati market’s Heart and Vascular Institute. “They may have different symptoms or conditions that don’t show up on standard tests. Our clinic focuses on those differences so we can diagnose and treat heart disease earlier.”
According to Dr. Zysek, the clinic aims to close several key gaps:
- Under-recognition of female-specific symptoms
- Differences in diagnostic patterns, especially when disease is present without arterial blockages
- Lack of awareness of gender-specific risk factors
- Missed opportunities for prevention and early intervention
Why self-advocacy is essential
Women often describe cardiac symptoms differently than men. They may experience subtle chest pressure, fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion-like discomfort or neck and jaw pain.
“Because symptoms can appear less obviously cardiac, women need to advocate for themselves,” Dr. Zysek explains. “If something feels off, speak up. Early evaluation can be lifesaving.”
What makes care at a women’s heart clinic different
A women-focused heart clinic looks at the full picture of health – biology, lifestyle, emotional wellbeing and family history. Our Women’s Heart and Microvascular Disease Program operates with that goal.
“We personalize care based on a woman’s life stage and unique risk profile,” Dr. Zysek explains. “Rather than a one size fits all model, we individualize our approach to how heart disease develops and presents in women.”
Women’s clinics often incorporate:
- Gender-specific risk assessments
- Nutrition counseling
- Behavioral health support
- Preventive cardiology
- Collaboration with primary care
- Referrals to cardiac rehab and lifestyle programs
This multifaceted support helps patients understand their risks and engage them in building long-term heart health habits.healthy habits.
The importance of coordinated care
Women’s cardiovascular health is interconnected with reproductive health, mental health, metabolic conditions, and autoimmune diseases. The Women’s Heart and Microvascular Disease Program operates within the Mason and Rookwood locations of our Heart and Vascular Institutes.
“Working closely with primary care and subspecialists ensures comprehensive, seamless care,” Dr. Zysek says. “Collaboration improves outcomes and supports women through every stage of life.”
Heart conditions more common in women
Our Women’s Heart and Microvascular Disease Program frequently treats conditions that are more common – or present differently – in women. These can include:
- Ischemia and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA and MINOCA)
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
- Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome)
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Pregnancy-associated cardiovascular conditions
- Autoimmune-related cardiovascular disease
How hormonal changes affect heart health
From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, hormonal changes significantly impact a woman’s cardiovascular system.
“Hormones influence vascular function, cholesterol levels, metabolism and inflammation,” Dr. Zysek notes. “Understanding these changes helps us better assess long-term cardiovascular risk.”
After menopause, heart disease risk accelerates due to declining estrogen levels. This makes prevention strategies – such as lifestyle support and early risk assessment – even more important.
Why are symptoms in women often missed?
Biological differences, historical research gaps and social factors shape how cardiovascular disease is recognized and evaluated. Women often have different symptom patterns that can appear less obviously cardiac. Confounding this is many women have coronary artery disease without major blockages, making traditional angiograms look “normal.”
“For many years, women weren’t well-represented in cardiovascular trials,” Dr. Zysek says. “So diagnostic criteria were built around male patterns. We’re correcting that now, but women’s heart clinics play a crucial role in closing that gap.”
When to seek care or ask for a referral
A woman should consider a cardiology referral if she:
- Has new or concerning symptoms
- Has a family history of heart disease
- Has pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications
- Is approaching or transitioning through menopause
- Wants a gender-specific evaluation of heart health
“Early consultation means early answers,” Dr. Zysek emphasizes. “Women shouldn’t wait for symptoms to become severe.”
Treatments that work especially well for women
While treatment plans differ for every patient, cardiac rehabilitation stands out as particularly effective treatment for women.
“Cardiac rehab combines supervised exercise, education and risk factor management,” Dr. Zysek says. “Women who complete rehab have significant improvements in symptoms, confidence and long-term outcomes.”
How we can help
Women often suffer symptoms that don’t appear to be related to cardiac conditions which can result in a missed opportunity for treatment.
Our Women’s Heart and Coronary Microvascular Disease Program treats women with the dedicated, specialized cardiovascular care they require. Our providers will listen, evaluate and create a personalized plan to support your heart health now and into the future.
If you would like a preventive cardiac evaluation or if you have known cardiovascular disease and are interested in a comprehensive treatment plan or if there is concern for small vessel coronary disease, ask your primary care provider about a consultation with the Women’s Heart and Coronary Microvascular Disease Program.
Learn about the heart and vascular care as well as the women’s health care services we provide at Mercy Health.
