UPMC provides complete diagnostics, assessments, and treatment of heart disease in women.
We recognize that women have different risks, lifestyle factors, and biology than men. This means we tailor our prevention and treatment plans based on a woman's distinct needs.
What Are Women’s Heart Services?
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S.
It has been under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed in women for years.
At UPMC, our goals are to:
- Improve the heart health of women who have, or are at risk for, heart disease.
- Provide complete, patient-centered care for women of all ages who have questions or concerns about their heart health.
- Prevent complications and treat women who have, or are at risk for, cardiovascular disease.
Our women's heart services team works collaboratively with many physicians within and outside of our network to provide high quality care for women. Our collaborative approach includes:
What conditions do you treat?
Our women’s heart services team treats a range of conditions, including:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) — This happens when there is a tear in the artery wall.
- Microvascular disease (MVD) — Also called small vessel disease, occurs when the small vessels around your heart don’t work well.
- Cancer-related heart diseases — If you have been treated for cancer, your heart may be damaged due to chemotherapy and radiation.
- Neurovascular disorders — Conditions that include stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
- Heart valve diseases — Occurs when one of the four heart valves doesn’t work properly.
- Heart failure — This occurs when the heart doesn’t pump properly.
- Coronary artery disease — When plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries causes mild to severe blockages.
- Heart arrhythmias — An irregular heart rhythm causes your heartbeat to be too fast, slow, or irregular.
- Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) — A very fast and irregular heartbeat.
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) — An extra heartbeat in the heart's ventricles causes a fluttering feeling in the chest.
- Premature atrial contractions (PACs) — An extra heartbeat in the heart’s atria that may feel like an extra beat.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) — A fast or erratic heartbeat.
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol — Linked conditions that can cause heart disease.
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD/PAD) — A narrowing of the blood vessels that can stop an area of the body from getting enough blood flow.
- Pregnancy-related cardiac conditions — Pregnancy can cause or aggravate heart-related complications, including high blood pressure.
- Perimenopausal-related cardiac conditions — Hormonal changes, including the loss of estrogen, can cause heart problems in perimenopause and menopause.
Who’s eligible for women’s heart services?
If you are a woman diagnosed with a heart condition or want to understand your heart disease risk factors, you may be eligible for women’s heart services. You may also be eligible if you are having heart disease symptoms including:
- Chest pain.
- Neck pain.
- Arm pain.
- Lightheadedness.
- Dizziness.
- Palpitations.
- Fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Swelling.
- Nausea.
We also help women manage peri- and post-menopausal symptoms and discuss the pros and cons of hormone use.
What Women’s Heart Services Does UPMC Offer?
UPMC offers innovative assessments, testing, and treatment to meet each woman's unique needs. Women’s heart services include:
Risk assessment for heart disease
Our team will assess your risk for heart disease based on traditional and non-traditional risk factors.
Traditional risk factors for heart disease in women include:
Non-traditional risk factors in women include:
Pregnancy-related heart care
We offer pre-conception counseling and postpartum care for pregnant women who may have:
Diagnostic testing
Your cardiologist may use various tests to diagnose further or treat you. These include:
- Chest x-ray — A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. An x-ray can show enlargement in any area of the heart.
- CT scan — CT scans create images of your heart.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO) — This noninvasive ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart's chambers and valves. The ECHO sound waves create an image on a monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over your heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) — This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
- Doppler ultrasound — This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your arteries and find blockages.
- Cardiac (heart) catheterization — This test is a diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to see blockages, blood flow, and other problems within your arteries.
- MRI scans — MRI is a diagnostic procedure that combines large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
- Holter monitor — This wearable ECG device records your heart's activity throughout the day.
- Event recorder — This portable device is similar to a Holter monitor. However, it only records when you are having symptoms.
- Exercise stress test — This test will measure your heart rhythm during exercise.
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan — This test measures calcium deposits you may have in your coronary arteries. Higher deposits can be a sign of severe disease in the heart arteries.
What Can I Expect From Women’s Heart Services?
Our team of women’s heart experts will create a comprehensive plan to assess your risk factors, manage your condition, and reduce your risk of complications.
Before your visit
To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:
- Name, address, and contact phone number.
- Insurance information.
- Relevant medical records and test results.
- A referral, if required by your health insurance company.
If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.
During your visit
When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and perform an exam.
We'll give you:
- A complete explanation of your condition and treatment.
- A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.
Your health care provider will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had symptoms, your condition, and your health history.
Together, we will design and agree on a care plan.
Your care team may also:
- Order tests to learn more about your condition.
- Schedule a procedure in the hospital.
After your treatment
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to check if your treatment has been effective. You should contact our office if:
- You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
- You have any other concerns about your condition.
