The Texas Heart Institute (THI) has long been a champion of women’s cardiovascular health, dedicating over a decade to advancing research, education, and care specifically for women. On October 29, 2024, THI celebrated this commitment by hosting a special “Her Heart” event in collaboration with WomenHeart and Bayer, creating a day dedicated to heart health education, community support, and empowering women to take charge of their cardiovascular wellness.

The event included a morning dedicated to heart health education and amazing fellowship for women living with heart disease and those interested in their heart health along with health care professionals, caregivers, and health advocates.

Attendees heard from Dr. Heather Pemberton, a non-invasive cardiologist at THI, who shared insights on the differences in cardiovascular symptoms between men and women, risk factors for women, and the unique impacts of pregnancy and menopause on heart health. Known for her expertise in women’s cardiovascular issues, Dr. Pemberton emphasized the power of prevention and the critical importance of recognizing early warning signs in women.

The morning also featured insights from Dr. Gerhard Albrecht, global medical director of cardiology at Bayer, who addressed the influence of climate and air quality on cardiovascular health, spotlighting how environmental factors play a significant role in long-term heart health.

Following the presentations, the event shifted to a celebration of support. Houston-area WomenHeart Champions Kimberly Connell and Tannie Coward shared their own heart-disease journeys, emphasized the importance of support groups for women living with heart disease, and described their roles as community educators and heart-health advocates.

The THI Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health, founded in 2010, supports both research into gender gaps in cardiovascular medicine and community education about women’s heart health. WomenHeart, The Women’s Center’s longtime partner in heart-disease awareness, is a national, patient-centered advocacy organization dedicated to supporting women diagnosed with the disease. Specialty clinics at The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care also support the needs of these women, through the practice’s Women’s Heart Center and the FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular condition that disproportionately affects women.

Dr. Stephanie Coulter, founding director of THI’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health, further emphasized THI’s holistic approach to women’s cardiovascular health. “Through our specialized clinics, we’re committed to delivering care tailored to the unique needs of women, including heart issues that arise during pregnancy. Our research on women-specific risk factors and outcomes is helping to shape future treatment options, while our outreach continues to raise awareness and empower women to prioritize their heart health.”

The event was a testament to THI’s ongoing dedication to women’s cardiovascular care and prevention, creating a strong foundation for continued support and advocacy for women’s heart health.

 

For more information, please visit the links below:

Women’s Health Research at The Texas Heart Institute

Women’s Heart Center Clinic at The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care

FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic at The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care

WomenHeart | The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease