Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. But many women aren’t even aware they have heart disease. Symptoms often present differently in women than men, making the disease harder to diagnose.
At the Women's Heart Health Clinic at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, our focus is on women’s heart health. Our female cardiologists specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease—exclusively in women.
Specialized Care for Women with Heart Disease
As a woman, seeking preventive heart care at every life stage is important. Women face unique challenges when caring for their bodies, including their hearts. Hormonal imbalances unique to women, like those that occur in pregnancy, after giving birth and during menopause, may impact your heart health.
At the Women’s Heart Health Clinic, we help you navigate these changes in your body and understand how they impact your heart health. When needed, we collaborate with other heart specialists within The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health to create a treatment plan that alleviates symptoms and keeps you feeling your best.
We care for women who have already been diagnosed with heart disease or who have symptoms and are seeking diagnosis for conditions including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Heart valve disease
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Arrhythmias and palpitations
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy-related heart conditions
Heart Disease Risk Factors for Women
An early diagnosis of heart disease can lead to better treatment outcomes. Risk factors for heart disease in women are slightly different than in men. As a woman, your risk factors for heart disease may be higher if you:
- Smoke
- Are diabetic
- Carry extra weight
- Experience chronic stress or depression
- Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Have preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Have sleep apnea
- Use hormone therapy
- Live with an autoimmune disease
- Are age 55 or older
Women’s Heart Health: The Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Advantage
Cardiologists at the Women’s Heart Health Clinic provide leading heart care for women of all ages. When you come to us, you benefit from:
- Women-first approach: Our Women's Heart Health Clinic surrounds you with a team of female cardiologists who specialize in women's heart care. As women and as physicians, we are uniquely positioned to understand your needs, risk factors and concerns.
- Tailored care at every life stage: If you're pregnant or considering pregnancy, we co-manage your care with your OB-GYN at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Women & Babies Hospital. Together with prenatal specialists, we provide tests and treatments that prioritize your and your baby's health. If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, we work closely with your gynecologist to minimize hormone-induced heart issues.
- Collaborative providers: We provide coordinated services to women who need specialty heart care. Our connection to The Heart Group means you get the care you need for advanced heart conditions, at a location close to home. Whether you need advanced diagnostic tests or heart surgery, we refer you to physicians who are leaders in their field.
Services Offered at the Women's Heart Health Clinic
We help women proactively manage heart disease risk factors and improve overall health through:
Comprehensive Heart Evaluation
Our expert cardiologists review your medical history and risk factors. We also complete a physical exam and listen to your concerns. Then, we may recommend further testing to learn more about your heart and how it's functioning.
Testing
We offer state-of-the-art cardiac imaging and monitoring in a location just a few miles from the Women’s Heart Health Clinic. Depending on your risk factors and symptoms, your cardiologist may recommend:
Management of Heart Conditions
We help you manage heart conditions with tailored treatments and education. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce heart disease symptoms and keep you feeling your best. We also guide you in making healthy choices and managing risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you need heart surgery or an invasive cardiology procedure, we refer you to a leading physician at the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Heart and Vascular Institute. Depending on your test results and symptoms, we may refer you to a specialist in:
Maternal Heart Care
Whether you have a pre-existing heart condition or experience new heart problems in pregnancy, we can help. Our female cardiologists collaborate with your OB/GYN to make sure you get the care you need so you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy and after.
Contact Us
You do not need a referral to receive care at the Women’s Heart Health Clinic. To learn more or make an appointment, call 717-544-0700.