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A new national survey conducted by El Camino Health has revealed that a significant number of women prefer to receive medical care from female doctors, particularly for heart health. However, with only 17% of cardiologists being women, finding a female heart specialist remains a challenge. This is a concerning issue, as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, responsible for one in five female fatalities.
The survey found that 59% of women believe doctors of their same gender can better relate to their experiences, concerns, and symptoms, compared to only 36% of men who felt the same way. Despite this preference, the scarcity of female cardiologists limits women’s access to gender-specific cardiac care.
Dr. Jane Lombard, medical director of the Women’s Heart Center at El Camino Health, emphasized the importance of having female physicians in cardiology. “Data shows that women have better outcomes when they are seen by female physicians or providers for their heart health. Therefore, I made it my mission to craft a center where women could feel more comfortable, and we could deliver more equitable and quality care,” she said.
Addressing Gender-Specific Heart Health Needs
The Women’s Heart Center at El Camino Health aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the unique risk factors and symptoms women experience in heart disease. The center provides specialized services such as preventive care for at-risk women, cardio-metabolic services for heart conditions linked to obesity, and cardio-obstetrics to address heart issues that arise or worsen during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy is the heart’s ultimate stress test, increasing blood volume and relying on the placenta to support it all,” Dr. Lombard explained. “Women are often unaware of the potentially deadly issues that develop during and after pregnancy, but it can be a major predictor of future heart problems.”
Raising Awareness About Women’s Heart Disease
The survey also found that heart disease risks among women remain widely under-recognized. Only 19% of respondents disagreed with the statement that “men are more likely to develop heart disease than women,” highlighting the widespread misconception that heart disease primarily affects men.
“Not only is this untrue, but women are also much more likely to exhibit symptoms that vary from the classic warning signs we always hear about,” Dr. Lombard noted. “Rather than the ‘elephant sitting on your chest,’ many women experience symptoms like jaw or shoulder pain and shortness of breath. Knowing these symptoms and advocating for appropriate care is critical.”
A Life-Saving Diagnosis
For Margaret Kalb, seeking specialized cardiac care proved to be a life-saving decision. With a family history of heart disease, she proactively visited the Women’s Heart Center despite not experiencing symptoms. Tests revealed a major blockage, requiring triple bypass surgery.
“Even though I was only in my 50s, I felt there was a possibility that something was developing,” Kalb said. “I wanted to see a doctor who specializes in women’s cardiology and would truly listen to my concerns, someone who wasn’t just going to say, ‘Oh, you’re only in your 50s. You’re fine. Come back in ten years.'”
Thanks to early detection and intervention, Kalb was able to avoid a potential emergency. “I feel Dr. Lombard and her team really took me seriously, and the testing they did saved my life,” she said.
Conclusion
As heart disease continues to pose a significant threat to women’s health, initiatives like the Women’s Heart Center at El Camino Health play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges women face in cardiac care. While the limited number of female cardiologists presents an ongoing challenge, increasing awareness and specialized care can help bridge the gap and improve outcomes for women at risk of heart disease.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease or any other medical condition.
Credit: El Camino Health
