In the U.S., heart disease kills more women then men; in fact, it’s the No. 1 cause of death for women. To help women who wish to improve or maintain their heart health, we offer:
- Vascular disease screenings (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Carotid Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease, Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Support services
- Coordinated care and referrals
- Year-round lectures and education
- Online resources and information
With specialists known for delivering pioneering and compassionate care, it’s no surprise that Providence provides more cardiovascular services than anyone else in Oregon.
Providence Heart and Vascular Institute of southern Oregon
No heart beats like the heart of a woman. At Providence Heart and Vascular Institute of southern Oregon, we understand the unique heart health care needs of women. Our female team of cardiology specialists understands women’s needs. They can help you control certain risk factors.
- Cigarette smoking is the greatest preventable cause of death. If a woman smokes, she more than doubles her risk of heart attack. The risk decreases almost immediately when a person quits tobacco.
- Being overweight places extra stress on the heart. Losing weight can help reduce high blood cholesterol as well as control high blood pressure and diabetes.
- High blood pressure can damage artery walls and make the heart work too hard.
- High blood cholesterol levels can cause a buildup of fatty deposits that clog the arteries and block blood flow.
- Physical inactivity contributes to other risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure and abnormal lipids.
- Diabetes can nearly double a woman’s risk of a heart attack. A woman with diabetes should control her blood sugar level throughout the day to avoid big drops and peaks. Providence Diabetes Education Center staff are available to help you understand diabetes. Whether you have had diabetes for some time or are newly diagnosed, our program offers you and your family the knowledge and self-care skills necessary to live a healthy life.
Facts about women and heart disease
- One in every three American women develops heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
- Surprisingly, more women than men die of heart disease. Compared with men, women with heart disease are diagnosed less frequently and are less likely to survive a heart attack.
- Heart disease kills more women then all types of cancer combined, including breast cancer.
- Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more than half a million women each year or about one woman every minute.
Heart Health resources
It's never too early to start thinking about your heart. Providence’s heart challenge will help you become more aware of how to have a healthy heart. We have tips to keep you motivated throughout the year. Visit heart health resource often to get the latest information about heart health. Take the Providence Heart Health Challenge.