Women’s Heart Health
Our goal is simple – to care for and treat women’s unique needs for a healthy heart. And we need your help.
donateHeart disease is the #1 killer of women worldwide and affects women of all ages
Heart attack symptoms go unrecognized in 53% of women
Heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases are often most closely associated with men, but heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and premature death for women in Canada. According to the most recent Statistics Canada annual data, close to 25,000 women die each year from heart disease.
By supporting VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Heart Health campaign, you are ensuring that every woman’s heart health is uniquely cared for. Where no symptoms go unnoticed, and where every woman has access to specialized cardiac care.
Let’s amplify women’s heart beats.
Women’s Heart Health Tips
Watch VideoLeslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic at VGH
VGH is home to the Leslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic, the first women’s heart health centre in Western Canada. In 2009, the Clinic opened its doors with the goal to prevent and stop the progression of heart disease in women through rehab treatment and education.
Hundreds of women have benefitted from the Clinic’s top specialists and services, led by Dr. Tara Sedlak, Canada’s first certified women’s heart health cardiologist.
The Clinic is hoping to expand its offerings to support a greater vision of women’s health – including new staff for enhanced patient care and increased research – so as many women as possible can live well and live long.
Philanthropic Opportunities
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in VGH’s vision for the future. Your generous support will…
Expand Clinical Care for Specialized Support
VGH has set its sights on becoming the epicenter of women’s heart health in Canada, with expanded clinical services and reduced wait times. Women will have access to a dedicated team of specialists all working together to provide comprehensive care.
Drive Cutting-Edge Research Innovation
Most of what we know about diagnosis and treatment of heart disease comes from studies that often overlooked women. VGH will be a beacon of innovation, creating more opportunities for women with heart disease to participate in clinical research.
Empower Women and Communities
With increased understanding and awareness, women will feel confident advocating for their health. Families and communities will be educated about women’s heart health, supporting their mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in maintaining heart-healthy lifestyles.
Leading the Way
VGH’s specialized women’s cardiac care and research are led by Dr. Tara Sedlak and Dr. Jacqueline Saw. Dr. Sedlak was the first women’s heart health cardiologist in Canada, and Dr. Saw is a world pioneer in the research and management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a condition in which 90% of the patients are female.
Dr. Tara Sedlak
Director, Leslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic
Researcher, Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation
Dr. Jacqueline Saw
Interventional Cardiologist, Researcher, Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation
Common Symptoms of Heart Disease for Women
With the right information and action, it’s possible to prevent heart disease or improve your chances of surviving it so that you could lead a healthy life. Know and pay attention to the following symptoms of heart disease and never delay getting help for your symptoms.
- Chest pain or discomfort. This can feel like a pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or gripping pain or discomfort
- Pain radiating from chest to the neck, jaw, left arm and/or back, stomach
- Stomach pain or discomfort, or feelings of indigestion
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Unusual or extreme fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Find out 4 things you need to know about women’s heart health
Sign up to download an exclusive info sheet from leading cardiologist Dr. Tara Sedlak
Denise’s story
One day, Denise Johnson lay in bed, heart pounding in her chest and discomfort and pain beginning to shoot down her arm. She thought to herself, ‘Am I having a heart attack?’
She had gone in for several different exams, but no one could find any answers.
Denise advocated that it was physiological, and together with her family doctor got a referral to the one person who would find out what was truly going on — Dr. Tara Sedlak, cardiologist and director of the Leslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic at VGH.
Learn more about Denise.
