By Tiffany Williams –
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst proudly announces the establishment of its Women’s Heart Health Institute, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to addressing disparities and enhancing gender equity in cardiovascular health specifically for female patients.
“We are very happy to launch the Women’s Heart Health Institute and further advance our Women’s Heart health program to new heights through a comprehensive care model,” said Grace Ann Weick, ANP, Associate Executive Director Clinical Operations & Ancillary Services. “Access to care is a priority for our cardiologists, and we are proud of the collaborative care model we have developed to ensure a seamless follow-up process and improve patient outcomes.”
Situated within the hospital’s Department of Cardiology, which annually treats approximately 7,000 patients, about 30% of whom are women, this institute responds to a critical health issue.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 females each year. Alarmingly, nearly 45% of women aged 20 and older are affected by cardiovascular disease, which also stands as the leading cause of mortality for new mothers.
“Elmhurst Hospital is taking a critical step in fighting for the heart health for the women who mean everything to us—our mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers,” said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, District 39. “For too long, women—especially women of color—have been overlooked in cardiovascular care, despite heart disease being their leading cause of death. This initiative is about dignity, equity, and saving lives, ensuring that every woman in our community receives the specialized care she deserves.”
The Women’s Heart Health Institute at Elmhurst Hospital aims to provide enhanced support for female patients by focusing on research and treatment tailored to the unique ways heart health affects women. The institute’s mission encompasses offering individualized, comprehensive care designed to improve health outcomes for women with cardiovascular concerns.
Among the array of services provided by the Institute are:
– Personalized Cardiovascular Care:
Utilizing advanced laboratory testing and state-of-the-art imaging techniques to tailor care to each patient’s specific needs.
– Interdisciplinary Support:
Offering a holistic approach through lifestyle modifications, nutritional counseling, rehabilitative services, and social support systems aimed at enhancing overall cardiovascular health.
– Comprehensive Pre-Conception Assessment:
Conducting detailed risk assessments and ongoing cardiovascular care throughout pregnancy, addressing the unique challenges faced by expectant mothers.
– Community Outreach and Education:
Forming partnerships within the community to launch awareness campaigns focused on the importance of recognizing and addressing women’s cardiovascular health issues.
Through these initiatives, the Women’s Heart Health Institute is committed to transforming how cardiovascular care is delivered to women, ultimately striving for improved health outcomes and greater awareness of women’s heart health issues.