Women Who Want to Take Control of Their Heart Health Have a Great Place to Start
Women’s Cardiac Health Program at Orange Coast Memorial provides affordable, comprehensive cardiovascular risk screenings and individualized treatment plans-all focused on the unique health needs of women.
“Women are tremendously impacted by heart disease-it’s the No. 1 cause of death for women over the age of 25,” says Robert Greenfield, M.D., medical director for non-invasive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Orange Coast Memorial. “The good news is that most heart disease is preventable.”
In fact, the American Heart Association estimates that 80 percent of heart attacks could be avoided by controlling risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and lack of exercise.
Affordable Screenings
That’s where the Orange Coast Memorial can help. The Women’s Cardiac Health Program offers low-cost comprehensive cardiac risk screenings that include a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG), cholesterol and blood-sugar testing, body fat analysis, body fat analysis, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure measurement, physical exam, as well as an evaluation of medical and family history. The screenings are performed by an advanced practice nurse with specialized training in cardiovascular care. No physician referral or insurance is needed, and each woman receives an individualized treatment plan based on her results.
Controlling Risk
“Knowing your risk factors and how well your heart is functioning are the first steps towards preventing heart disease,” says Lynn Redwater, R.N., executive director of cardiovascular services at Orange Coast Memorial. “Many women don’t realize how much control they have. Diet and exercise play major roles in heart health, while medications can control blood pressure and cholesterol problems. The earlier women address their cardiac risk factors, the less damaging the effects later on.”
Cardiovascular risk screenings are recommended for women with one or more risk factors, including a family history of heart disease.
Care For Your Heart
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Memorial offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. This includes minimally invasive interventions, robotic-assisted heart surgery and a cardiac rehabilitation program.