Women’s Cardiovascular Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) Program

“Many people are surprised to learn that heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women,” says Mary Ann McLaughlin, M.D., M.P.H., Co-Director of Mount Sinai’s Women’s CARE Program. “In fact, more than one out of five women has some form of cardiovascular disease, while less than eight percent recognize it as a major health threat”.

The Women’s CARE Program is committed to educating people about this problem. Its physicians speak at retirement centers and other local programs to raise awareness in the community. Patients who come to Women’s CARE get personalized information, including a risk assessment with a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed, woman-oriented medical history, as well as a chronicling of other risk factors. Consultation with the patient’s referring physician ensures that the information is as complete as possible.

Patients benefit further, when appropriate, by undergoing state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, including echocardiography and stress testing. For those needing treatment, the complete range of treatment options, such as can be found only at an academic medical center, is available, including the latest pharmacological measures. Many other patients take advantage of preventive care programs, which emphasize lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future heart problems.

Women’s CARE also pursues research to improve cardiovascular knowledge about and care for women. Its researchers have recently been involved in studies related to gender differences with respect to congestive heart failure and hypertension.

“Too often, women don’t receive the same level of care as men,” says Dr. McLaughlin. “That’s why I believe the most important tools women need are awareness and education.”

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