A fresh approach to women and heart disease

By Dr. Elizabeth Gauer

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February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness of heart disease and remember that it is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States.

Although at one time, heart disease was thought of as a “man's disease,” movements such as the American Heart Association's “Go Red For Women” campaign have increased awareness of heart disease and stroke in women.

Coronary disease (affecting the blood vessels of the heart) is the most common type of heart disease and can sometimes cause a heart attack. Given this, it is important to identify both men and women with coronary disease risk factors and work to reduce these risks.

Significant gains in educating the public about the signs and symptoms of heart attack have been made with the goal of encouraging prompt treatment of and improved outcomes after heart attack.

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack; however, symptoms can differ in women and may include complaints such as nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath or even dizziness. So, increased attention in recognizing these varied symptoms has been stressed, for both patients and physicians.

Because symptoms associated with heart disease can be atypical, I have learned to listen to patients' symptoms and carefully analyze their stories and risk profiles before ordering any tests.

Risk factors such as family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure should be carefully considered.

Not all heart symptoms occur exclusively as a result of coronary disease. Heart rhythm problems (palpitations), cardiomyopathy (weakness or changes of heart muscle), heart valve problems and congenital problems may cause symptoms independent of coronary disease.

As a newcomer to Cedar Rapids, I encourage men and women with significant cardiac symptoms to go to the emergency room or call 911. The key is to be proactive.

I am impressed by this community's commitment to meeting national standards of care in treating heart disease.

Mercy Medical Center is the first and only U.S. hospital with Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification for its Heart Attack in Women program.

With the expertise of its medical practitioners and availability of advanced technology, Cedar Rapids is well-situated to fight heart disease.

Dr. Elizabeth Gauer today joins Cedar Rapids Heart Center P.C. as Cedar Rapids' only female cardiologist. Comments: ceo@cedarrapidsheart.com