Empowering Heart Health: Discover the ‘BIA (be-ya) Yourself’ Revolution for Women

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. It accounts for one in five female deaths, surpassing all cancers combined. Over 60 million women are living with heart disease, and many of them don’t even know it.

Dr. Nishtha Sareen, an expert in women’s heart health and the founder of the Women Heart Health Program at Ascension Health System, sheds light on this crucial issue. After successfully launching statewide programs and centers, she emphasizes the need for better treatment options specifically for women.

A significant challenge is the lack of female representation in clinical trials and medical training. Many medical programs don’t focus enough on conditions that affect women, like angina with open arteries or postpartum complications. This gap often leads to misdiagnosed or late-stage heart issues.

The medical community faces hurdles too. After years of training, many doctors find it hard to focus on women’s health since compensation models don’t encourage gender-specific care. Developing new programs for female-specific conditions is often seen as a low priority, despite its importance.

To combat this, initiatives like training courses and informational podcasts aim to educate healthcare professionals on women’s heart health. Resources such as the “BIA she is the force” book and free podcasts aim to provide knowledge and encourage conversations about female-specific health issues. You can check out more at BIAyourself.

Another concerning issue is the perception of heart disease among women. Many still believe breast cancer is the bigger threat, which is alarmingly incorrect. Heart disease kills six times more women than breast cancer. This misconception highlights the urgent need for community engagement. We must educate women about heart disease, its symptoms, and the importance of regular screenings.

Together, we can change the narrative around women’s heart health. Awareness and proactive care are vital not just for prevention but also for improving outcomes. By prioritizing education and encouraging conversations, we can advocate for better healthcare tailored for women. It’s time we all rally for this cause—because every woman deserves a chance at heart health.

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Heart disease, patient care, Nishtha Sareen, physician, BIA