In fact, more women die of heart disease than men. It is the #1 killer of women. Heart disease also strikes at younger ages than most people think, and the risk rises in middle age.
    More than 80 percent of Northern California women aged 40 to 70 are potentially at risk for a first heart attack, according to a recent study by Sutter North Medical Foundation and our not-for-profit Sutter Health network of physicians and hospitals. Only 26 percent of these same women regarded themselves as at risk.
    With coronary risk factors like obesity, diabetes and hypertension on the rise, our physicians and nurses are working with colleagues across our network to launch the Women’s Heart Advantage, a multi-year outreach and educational program to help women in the north state understand their significant risk, identify warning signs and live heart-healthy lives.
    “We’re creating one strong voice to educate women about heart health and encourage them to talk with their doctors,” said Wieslawa Krasinski, MD “An overwhelming number of women right in our backyard don’t realize they’re at risk for a heart attack. Heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease. It’s the number one killer of women.”
    Once thought of as a man’s disease, heart disease in women can look and act differently. New national research indicates that because of these differences, women are less likely to be diagnosed and treated early.
    “We’re working together to better understand the pathology of the disease in women – how does it present itself and what’s different from what we’ve learned about men,” said Dr. Krasinski. “With the right information, we’re able to take specific steps to improve education and treatment for our female patients. We’re helping provide all our doctors and nurses with the tools they need to better assess each patient’s needs.”
    At Sutter North Medical Foundation, our efforts to advance care and treatment for women include many activities throughout the year. In December Dr. Kransinski hosted a continuing education workshops for MAs, LVNs and RNs. On February 7th SNMF will be participating in the Home, Health & Leisure Fair at the Mall to distribute educational materials. Also in February each primary care physician in Yuba and Sutter Counties will receive information on cardiac disease in women to display in their waiting rooms and for distribution to patients. The Health Education Access Library has numerous information for patients and physicians. Watch throughout the year as SNMF continues to participate in the Women’s Heart Advantage.
     For more information about women and heart disease, visit