Specialized Cardiology Care for Women at Orland Park

Heart disease (cardiovascular disease or CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and worldwide. Because women can have different indicators of heart disease than men, their symptoms and risks can frequently be underestimated. 1 in 3 women die from heart disease, and 45% of women over the age 20 have some form of cardiovascular disease. UChicago Medicine cardiologists address the unique cardiac needs of women throughout their lifetime and provide women with tools and treatments to either reduce their chances of developing heart disease or control the progression of preexisting conditions.

Our heart team can identify female-related risk factors early and provide tailored treatment plans to increase the quality of life. We can also provide a bridge to other specialty care to treat complex, cross-specialty conditions. Our Orland Park location (14290 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462) features expert heart doctors for women. 

Unique Risks Factors and Early Signs of Heart Disease in Women

In both men and women, traditional risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, women face additional risk factors for heart disease.

Female-Related Risk Factors:

• History of preeclampsia or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• History of adverse pregnancy outcomes, like preterm birth, pregnancy loss and intrauterine growth restriction
• Premature menopause (before age 40), menopause and perimenopause
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

Symptoms of Heart Disease:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest, left arm or back can be a sign. While men will also experience this, women are more likely to have stable chest pain.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or vertigo can often be a sign of heart disease because the body is working harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. This can cause women to feel unsteady and shaky.
• Insomnia, particularly persistent insomnia, can occur because the body is working hard to regulate blood glucose. This can increase blood pressure and make it hard for women to sleep
• Fatigue and extreme tiredness are usually unexplained and can appear a week or two before a more serious heart condition becomes apparent.
• Stomach pain and nausea that occurs after physical activity. These symptoms are easy to mistake in women because stomach pain, ingestion and sweating are also common with the flu.