MemorialCare, a nonprofit health system, has launched the new Women's Heart Center at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute in Southern California, US.
This centre will focus on the education, prevention, early diagnosis, and management of cardiac conditions specific to women.
The first site of Women's Heart Center has been launched in collaboration with Long Beach Medical Center and MemorialCare Medical Group, with plans to expand to more locations in Orange County.
MemorialCare's new Women's Heart Center aims to address gender disparities in cardiac care and improve outcomes for women with heart disease.
It has been established to offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced diagnostic procedures for conditions like microvascular disease and vasospasm, to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Located more than 20 miles from the Long Beach area, the Women's Heart Center fills a significant gap in cardiac care for communities in South Los Angeles and North Orange County.
Catering to women from age 18 and older, the centre's services cover various life stages, from pre-conception and pregnancy to menopause.
Research plays a vital role in the centre's approach, offering patients access to the latest treatment options through clinical trials.
The centre also provides second opinion services for women who have unresolved cardiac symptoms or require more advanced testing.
Dr Nissi Suppogu, a fellowship-trained specialist in women's heart health, has been appointed as the medical director to oversee the Women's Heart Center.
Suppogu said: “Women can perceive changes in their body and symptoms very well, but since we are so busy with family, career, and friends, we tend to put ourselves last.
“I encourage all women to know their numbers and recognise their symptoms, such as chest pain, chest pressure, and chest tightness, along with dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain radiating to the back, neck, or left arm (associated with exercise or rest) to seek timely help.”
