ROBBINSDALE, Minn., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, North Memorial will open the North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic to better serve the health needs of women with cardiovascular disease -- a frequently, and historically, overlooked national population of more than eight million women. North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic will open at WestHealth, located at the northeast corner of the intersection of 494 and Highway 55 in Plymouth, Minn.
For years, cardiovascular disease has been thought of as a man’s disease or a lesser disease in women; however, the truth is in the staggering statistics. Each year, more women die from cardiovascular disease than men. According to the American Heart Association, this disease claims nearly half a million female lives every year -- more lives than the next seven causes of death combined. In fact, one in every two women will die from heart disease or stroke, compared to one in every 30 women who will die from breast cancer.
An environment just for women
North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic brings a new approach to cardiac care led by a unique team of female cardiologists in an environment designed specifically for women. The clinic will provide women with a trusted and welcoming cardiovascular resource for prevention, disease management and coordination of treatment.
“Many women are not aware of their risk for heart disease,” says Pam Paulsen, M.D., cardiologist and medical director for North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic. “This new heart clinic is an opportunity to educate women and provide them with the treatment they need. It’s important to help women take control of their own health and recognize heart disease, especially when you look at how this disease affects our gender.”
Part of the education includes recognizing symptoms. Chest discomfort is the most common warning sign among both women and men, however, women -- especially older women and those with diabetes -- may experience more subtle symptoms. And symptoms change in women after menopause. These differences can cause women to dismiss the warning signs.
The clinic will also educate patients on a full range of treatment options and routine interventions, an area often overlooked. Research from the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease reports women receive only one-third the number of angioplasties, stents and open-heart surgeries compared to men.
Female leadership
Only six percent of all cardiologists nationally are women. At North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic, both cardiologists are women. Dr. Pam Paulsen initiated the concept of a women’s clinic, which quickly spread throughout North Memorial Heart Center where she practices. Joining Dr. Paulsen at the women’s clinic will be cardiologist Mary McLaurin, M.D. The staff will also include nurses, exercise physiologists and technologists.
When the North Memorial Women’s Heart Clinic opens this fall, it will offer comprehensive cardiac care for women. On site services will include heart screenings, risk assessments, echo and stress testing, echocardiography, vascular screening tests and cardiac rhythm management. Construction of the new clinic continues at WestHealth in Plymouth. The clinic is scheduled to open in fall 2004.
About North Memorial
North Memorial Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center located in Robbinsdale, Minn. In addition to emergency and trauma services, North Memorial is recognized for its outstanding cardiology, oncology and women and children’s services as well as its six primary care clinics throughout the northwestern Twin Cities.
North Memorial Medical Center
CONTACT: Robert Prevost of North Memorial Public Relations,+1-763-520-5062
Web site: http://northmemorial.com/
