Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Program dedicates heart care for women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet its risks are too often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Ascension Saint Thomas Heart , is taking action to change that with the launch of the Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Program, a first of its kind initiative in Middle Tennessee designed to transform cardiovascular care for women at every stage of life.

This program addresses the risks, symptoms and challenges women face in heart health. With a focus on prevention, early detection and a multi-disciplinary team approach, our care team is committed to closing critical gaps in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for women’s cardiovascular health.

Leaders in women’s heart health

Leading this pioneering program is Dr. Nishtha Sareen , Medical Director of the Women’s Heart Program, and Dr. Hannah Fish-Trotter , a cardio-obstetrics specialist. Together, they bring an expertise and a shared passion for redefining how women’s heart health is understood, diagnosed and treated - empowering women to take control of their heart health like never before.

Heart disease affects women in unique ways, and awareness remains low. 

With over a decade of leadership in cardiovascular care, including the creation of all-inclusive women’s clinic networks, Dr. Sareen is a board-certified multi-specialist. “Our goal is to ensure every woman receives care as unique as she is—care that understands her risks, her symptoms, and her needs,” she said.

Only 22% of primary care physicians and only 42% of cardiologists feel equipped to address cardiovascular disease in women, according to the Women’s Heart Alliance report co-written by maternal fetal medicine specialist, Cornelia R. Graves, MD , at Ascension Saint Thomas.

Dr. Sareen’s passion for addressing underdiagnosed conditions such as microvascular dysfunction and advancing gender equity in heart care adds to the comprehensive care women will receive in this program. 

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and a long-term risk for women with pregnancy complications. Dr. Fish-Trotter expertise addresses the intersection of cardiovascular health and maternal care. “Pregnancy offers an opportunity to identify heart health risks early,” she noted. “By addressing these risks, we can improve outcomes for mothers and their families.”

When a mother succumbs to heart disease, her family faces significant health, economic and educational challenges. The Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Program aims to change this by focusing on prevention, education and tailored care across all life stages.

Dedicated heart care for women

Choosing the Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Program means personalized care supported by a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and behavioral health experts. This team of experts will focus on pregnancy-related risks such as preeclampsia, Microvascular disease, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Patients also benefit from dietitian consultations and discounted access to the Wellness Center gyms at West and Rutherford.

A healthier future for women

The Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Program’s goal is to ensure women everywhere receive the cardiovascular care they deserve.

“We aim to reduce heart disease-related deaths and improve the quality of life for women,” said Dr. Sareen. “By educating both patients and providers, we’re empowering women to prioritize their heart health.”
Whether you’re a patient, provider, or family member, learn more about women’s heart health at Ascension Saint Thomas. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 800-345-5016 or visit Ascension Saint Thomas Heart online to find a cardiologist .