Women’s Heart Disease Care at Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women—but women’s symptoms, risks, and care needs are often different. At VCS, we understand those differences and approach women’s heart health with expertise, compassion, and close collaboration.
Our cardiologists care for women at every stage of life, offering personalized cardiovascular care that reflects each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. Just as important, we listen, because understanding how a woman feels is as critical as understanding what a test shows.
Expertise You Can Trust
VCS is Central Virginia’s largest independent cardiology practice, with decades of experience caring for women with the full spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. Our board-certified cardiologists are recognized leaders in cardiovascular care, combining advanced clinical training with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach.
Our expertise in women’s heart health includes:
- Care for complex medical histories
We routinely care for women with nuanced health backgrounds, including those who have undergone cancer treatment earlier in life—such as breast cancer or childhood cancers treated with chest radiation or certain chemotherapy medications. These histories can have long-term effects on heart health and deserve careful, informed evaluation. - Advanced cardiovascular risk assessment
Some women have inherited or complex risk factors that are not fully captured by standard testing. VCS offers advanced lipid evaluation and personalized management strategies to help guide prevention and long-term care. - Clinical judgment in evolving areas of care
As cardiovascular and metabolic therapies continue to evolve, our cardiologists stay current with emerging research and apply it thoughtfully—helping women navigate complex decisions within the context of their overall heart health and long-term risk.
By taking the time to understand each woman’s full health history, we provide care that is not only thorough and evidence-based, but also personalized and forward-looking.
Compassionate, Personalized Care for Women
Women often tell us they’ve felt unheard or uncertain about their symptoms before seeking cardiology care. At VCS, we take that concern seriously.
Our approach to women’s heart health is grounded in:
- Listening carefully to symptoms and concerns
- Taking the time to explain findings and options clearly
- Creating care plans tailored to each woman’s life, health history, and priorities
- Supporting long-term heart health, not just episodic care
Women’s heart health is influenced by many factors over the course of life, including hormonal changes. When women are considering or already using hormone therapy, our cardiologists help place those decisions in the context of overall cardiovascular health—working alongside patients and their care teams to support informed, personalized care.
We believe trust is built through relationships—and that strong relationships lead to better outcomes.
Our commitment to women’s heart health is deeply personal. The women we care for are mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. That perspective shapes how we listen, how we partner, and how carefully we approach every concern—because women’s heart health matters to all of us both personally and professionally.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
Understanding your personal risk is important—but recognizing symptoms is just as critical. Heart disease can look different in women than in men, and symptoms are not always obvious. In our cardiology practices, women often describe concerns that feel subtle or easy to dismiss—yet warrant careful evaluation.
Common symptoms women report include:
- Chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness
- Shortness of breath, especially with routine activity
- Unusual or persistent fatigue
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea or indigestion-like discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders
- Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
Symptoms may develop gradually or come and go. Paying attention to changes in how you feel and how your body responds to activity is an important part of protecting your heart health.
Women frequently tell us they didn’t think their symptoms were “serious enough” to mention. We encourage you to trust your instincts and ask questions
When to Get Help
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth having it checked.
You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you:
- Notice new, persistent, or worsening symptoms
- Feel unusually short of breath or fatigued
- Experience chest discomfort or unexplained pain
- Have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or pregnancy-related complications
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Want a proactive evaluation of your heart health
Early evaluation allows our cardiologists to identify concerns sooner, provide reassurance when appropriate, and develop a personalized plan to support your long-term heart health. If you are experiencing sudden or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Leaders and Partners in Women’s Health
Women’s heart health is best supported through collaboration. Heart health does not exist in isolation. VCS works closely with primary care providers, OB-GYNs, and other specialists across the medical community to support coordinated, comprehensive care for women.
As leaders in cardiovascular medicine, our physicians:
- Partner with referring providers to ensure continuity of care
- Serve as a trusted resource for complex cardiovascular questions
- Contribute to advancing heart care through clinical research, leadership, and innovation
This collaborative approach helps ensure that women receive the right care at the right time, close to home.
A Proactive Approach to Women’s Heart Health
Whether you are managing an existing heart condition, addressing risk factors, or seeking preventive care, VCS takes a proactive, long-term approach focused on continuity and partnership—not just isolated visits.
Our goal is to help women understand their heart health early, monitor changes over time, and adjust care as needs evolve.
Our cardiovascular services for women include:
- Preventive cardiology and individualized risk assessment
- Diagnostic testing and advanced cardiac imaging, when appropriate
- Ongoing management of heart and vascular conditions
- Long-term follow-up focused on quality of life, function, and outcomes
For some women, proactive care also means thoughtful monitoring based on personal health history. When past medical experiences may influence long-term heart health, our cardiologists help guide appropriate evaluation and follow-up over time.
We believe prevention is not a single moment, but an ongoing relationship. Through early insight, careful monitoring, and open communication, we partner with women to support heart health at every stage of life.
Take the Next Step
If you have concerns about your heart health—or want a proactive, personalized approach to cardiovascular care—our team is here to help.