Dr. Emily Lau discusses the importance of addressing disparities in cardiovascular care for women. She highlights the need for increased awareness, improved diagnosis, and tailored treatment approaches to improve outcomes for female patients.
## Broadening Access to Cardiovascular Care for Female Patients, With Emily Lau, MD

Cardiovascular disease, often perceived as a primarily male health issue, is a leading cause of death for women in the United States. However, significant disparities exist in how women experience, are diagnosed with, and treated for heart conditions. Dr. Emily Lau, a leading voice in cardiology, is advocating for a more equitable and effective approach to cardiovascular care for women, emphasizing the crucial need to bridge these gaps.

Dr. Lau stresses that awareness is the first vital step. Many women, and even some healthcare providers, are unaware of the unique ways heart disease manifests in women. Symptoms can differ significantly from the classic chest pain often associated with heart attacks in men. Women may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw pain, or discomfort in the back or shoulder, leading to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

"We need to educate both women and healthcare professionals about these subtle yet critical differences," Dr. Lau explains. "Increased awareness can lead to earlier detection and intervention, ultimately saving lives."

Beyond awareness, Dr. Lau highlights the need for improvements in diagnostic techniques. Traditional diagnostic tests, developed primarily using male subjects, may not always accurately detect heart disease in women. She advocates for the adoption of more sensitive and specific diagnostic tools that are tailored to the female physiology.

Finally, Dr. Lau emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans. Women often respond differently to medications and procedures compared to men. Tailoring treatment approaches to address these differences is crucial for optimizing outcomes. This includes considering factors like hormonal changes throughout a woman's life, pregnancy, and the impact of menopause on cardiovascular health.

Dr. Lau's work underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in cardiovascular care, one that acknowledges and addresses the unique needs of female patients. By increasing awareness, improving diagnostic accuracy, and personalizing treatment strategies, healthcare providers can significantly improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of women across the nation. The focus on these key areas promises a future where women receive the equitable and effective heart care they deserve.