Confessions of a Cardiologist
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve looked into a woman’s eyes and had to deliver news that shouldn’t have come as a surprise. “Your heart is in trouble.”
The heartbreak isn’t just in saying those words—it’s knowing that, for so many women, it didn’t have to get to this point. That if they had come in sooner, if they had known what to look for, if they had been heard by the healthcare system, their story could have been different.
Why Are We Still Here?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women—yet most women don’t realize they’re at risk until something serious happens. I see this every day: women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, sitting in my office, shocked to learn they have high blood pressure, dangerous cholesterol levels, or even early signs of heart failure.
How did we get here?
Part of the problem is access to care. We have a shortage of cardiologists, and 85% of them are men, many of whom haven’t been trained in sex-specific heart health issues. Women’s symptoms often present differently than men’s, yet medical research and training have historically centered around men’s heart health. That means far too many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether.
Then, there’s the delay in care. Studies show that 80% of women put off seeking medical attention, often prioritizing their partners, children, and jobs over their own well-being. By the time they finally get checked out, their risk factors have compounded. What could have been managed with early intervention now requires more aggressive treatment.
The Reality of Preventable Heart Disease
Here’s what I wish every woman knew: most heart disease is preventable.
Many of the women I treat could have drastically reduced their risk with earlier screenings, small lifestyle changes, and proactive care. But no one told them. No one warned them. And, often, when they raised concerns, their symptoms were brushed off as stress, anxiety, or simply aging.
It’s infuriating. And it’s why I’m here, speaking directly to you.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re reading this, I want you to stop and ask yourself: When was the last time I put my health first?
If you can’t remember, start today.
- Get checked. Schedule a heart health screening. Ask for your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to be tested. If you have a family history of heart disease, request additional markers like lipoprotein(a) and CRP.
- Pay attention to your body. Women’s heart attack symptoms can be subtle—fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the back, jaw, or neck. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
- Take small steps now. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Add more movement into your day, improve your diet little by little, manage stress, and commit to getting enough sleep.
- Find a doctor who listens. If you feel dismissed, push for answers. Advocate for your health the same way you would for a loved one.
You Deserve to Be Healthy
Women spend their lives caring for others, but your health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The best way to care for those you love is to take care of yourself first.
At Systole Health, we’re changing the narrative. We offer expert-led virtual group care designed for women, so you don’t have to navigate heart health alone. We educate, empower, and create a space where women feel heard, supported, and proactive about their well-being.
I don’t want to see another woman in my office, devastated by a diagnosis that could have been prevented. I want to see women thriving, informed, and in control of their health.
So today, let this be your wake-up call. Don’t wait. Take care of your heart—because no one else can do it for you.
Book a consultation to learn more about how Systole Health can help you take charge of your heart health.