About the Women's Heart Institute
Programs for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease in women have been slow in getting started for a number of reasons. Women develop findings of heart disease an average of 10 years later than men, so many physicians view the younger male patients with symptoms as those who need attention and treatment, and place less emphasis on evaluating women. Too many physicians are unaware of the unique aspects of heart disease in women and therefore, have little understanding of gender differences and what they mean. Testing for heart disease has become more gender sensitive and accurate only in the last few years allowing for a better understanding of what the test results actually represent. Physicians who have not kept up with the advances in gender sensitive evaluation and diagnostic testing will be less likely to evaluate a woman as accurately as they would evaluate a man. In addition, the evaluation of a woman for cardiovascular disease can not be done without having an understanding of the entire spectrum of medical problems and changes that occur in a women's body. Too often, cardiac specialists are unaware of the impact of hormonal changes on cardiovascular symptoms and risks. They may be unaccustomed to dealing with the myriad of options available for hormone replacement. It is essential that the professionals counseling women be comfortable and experienced in discussing, recommending, and following hormone therapy or its alternatives.
The Women's Heart Institute has this combination of cardiovascular expertise, knowledge of women's health, and interest in gender-specific issues to produce a program that can offer women maximal cardiovascular benefit. Our medical director, Dr. Debra R. Judelson, is board certified in internal medical and cardiology and served as 1996-1997 President of the American Medical Women's Association. She has the qualifications needed to create, supervise and maintain this program. Our affiliation with Cardiovascular Medical Group of Southern California provides extensive facilities and immediate referral, if needed, for expert evaluation. The Women's Heart Institute, located in Beverly Hills, is adjacent to free parking and close to many area hospitals and medical centers. This unique combination provides the most responsive cardiovascular program in Southern California that understands and addresses the needs of women.
Last updated on October 17, 2002.