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SEATTLE — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet its symptoms often go unnoticed or misinterpreted. That’s why Overlake Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Care Center is taking a proactive stance—offering premier, personalized care.
“We really have the premier care on the Eastside,” Dr. Nicewarner said. “We have aspects of care ranging from prevention, early detection, treatment and of course chronic disease management. We do everything.”
While chest pain and pressure are hallmark symptoms of a heart attack, Dr. Nicewarner emphasized that women often experience subtler signs: fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.
“These symptoms can be written off or ignored,” she said, urging women to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention when something feels off.
Understanding personal risk factors, like high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and family history, is key to knowing when to consult a doctor.
“If it’s not normal for you, and you’ve never talked to a doctor about it, you certainly want to get evaluated,” Dr. Nicewarner said.
Pregnancy can reveal underlying cardiovascular risks. Conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes don’t just affect pregnancy, they can increase a woman’s risk of heart disease later in life.
“Women with pre-eclampsia are three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and five times more likely to develop hypertension,” Dr. Nicewarner said.
Maintaining healthy habits like regular exercise, stress management, and sleep are incredibly important. Dr. Nicewarner also recommends the Mediterranean diet, especially for those with existing risk factors.
What sets Overlake apart is its commitment to personalized treatment.
“We strive to identify how we can help each person—not just treat them like one of a group,” Dr. Nicewarner said.
To learn more about Overlake’s Heart and Vascular Care Program, visit their website.
Sponsored by Overlake Medical Center
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.