Women's Heart Center

Maine Cardiology Associates has 3 cardiologists on staff specializing in the risks, symptoms and treatments that are unique to the female population. Because a woman's heart needs a little extra care.

If you think that women are less susceptible to heart disease than men are, consider this:

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States Experts believe that 1 out of every 3 women will die as a result of heart disease At the time of diagnosis, women tend to be older and have less classic symptoms, yet their condition is typically more severe and their outcome is typically worse compared to men.

Furthermore, while the rate of death from coronary artery disease has steadily declined for men over the last 20 years, the rate for women has remained the same. These facts inspired us to create the Women's Heart Center at Maine Cardiology Associates in 2002 so that we could provide women with the most progressive and compassionate cardiac care in northern New England.

Special Risks for Women
Studies have identified 6 key factors that can affect the likelihood of a woman contracting coronary artery disease:

SMOKING - Even minimal exposure to cigarettes or second hand smoke increases the risk for women

DIABETES - Perhaps the most critical risk factor for women HTN ‚ Defined as blood pressures greater than 135/85

ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL - High triglycerides and low HDL (good cholesterol) is a particularly dangerous combination for women

FAMILY HISTORY - Women with first-degree female relatives under the age of 65 and first degree male relatives under the age of 55 who have been diagnosed with CAD are more likely to contract the disease themselves.

POST-MENOPAUSAL STATE - The incidence of CAD parallels men in post-menopausal women.

Signs and Symptoms
The primary reason why coronary artery disease and heart attack are so deadly to women is that their symptoms can be subtle and non-classic and therefore, difficult to diagnose until it's too late. Suspicious symptoms include:

CHEST PRESSURE OR HEAVINESS - Especially with exertion. These symptoms may also radiate to the jaw, throat, arms and back.

UPPER BACK PRESSURE WITH EXERTION

JAW or ARM PAIN/HEAVINESS WITH ACTIVITY

INDIGESTION - Especially if accompanied with sweating or nausea

SHORTNESS OF BREATH DURING ACTIVITY

ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS CAN OCCUR AT REST AND SHOULD BE WORRISOME IF ACCOMPANIED BY SWEATING.

If you have any of these symptoms, and if you have risk factors for heart disease, consult your physician. Do not assume these symptoms are "nothing" or "false alarms."