At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, we recognize that women's hearts are unique and that many heart disease risks and symptoms are different in women, warranting specialized care. Our Women’s Heart Program has a team of cardiologists who specialize in providing heart care tailored specifically for women to diagnose, treat and monitor heart conditions that commonly affect women, such as heart disease, heart attack and chronic chest pain. Our specialists are trained in preventive strategies for women at increased risk of developing heart disease, comprehensive care for pregnancy-related heart health and more specialized care for women.
Helping prevent heart disease in women
The first step in getting the care you need is to start a conversation with your doctor about things such as your health history and risk for heart disease. Then, your doctor works with you to create a care plan that is personalized for you. There are many common risk factors that may increase a woman’s risk for heart disease, and our specialists can provide treatment for a wide variety of heart issues related to:
- Family history of heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Valve disease
- Disease of the aorta
- Smoking
- Menopause/premature ovarian failure
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Pregnancy complications (hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage)
- Autoimmune disease
- Mental stress and depression
- Lack of physical activity
At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, we can provide a range of specialized tests to diagnose different types of heart disease:
- Cardiac MRI
- Coronary angiography
- Coronary artery calcium scan
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Exercise stress testing
- Specialty blood testing for inherited disorders
Lifestyle changes for heart health in women
Lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing women’s heart disease and the associated risk factors. By making changes today, you can have a big impact on your heart health. Our specialists are dedicated to guiding you through personalized lifestyle changes to help prevent or slow the progression of heart disease. Whether you need dietary advice, exercise routines, or stress management techniques, we are here to support you every step of the way. Ways we can help support your journey include:
- Blood pressure management
- Blood sugar management
- Cholesterol management
- Personalized exercise program
- Heart‑healthy eating plan
- Weight management programs
- Stress management techniques
Heart conditions during pregnancy
If you develop heart symptoms or are diagnosed with a condition such as irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia before, during or after pregnancy, trust our leading cardiac OB experts. Ascension Saint Thomas Heart and Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) have created the Collaborative Perinatal Cardiac Center (CPCC) to deliver the specialized heart care you need. Your MFM specialist and cardiologist work together with you and your OB-GYN to help manage your symptoms and diagnoses. This allows for close monitoring of your heart health throughout your pregnancy. Your care team is also here to address any concerns after your delivery. To schedule an appointment, call 615-284-8636.
Meet our care team
Stacy Davis, MD
Hannah-Fish Trotter, MD
Get a second opinion on your heart condition, diagnosis or care plan
Gain the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized heart care plan.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
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