Annabelle Volgman, MD, Medical Director, Heart Center for Women

Although heart disease affects both women and men almost equally, women often have different symptoms and respond differently to treatment than men do.

That's why women want a team with the experience to address their unique needs. This expertise can be found at Rush University Medical Center, home to the first heart program in Chicago devoted exclusively to women.

At the Rush Heart Center for Women, women with heart problems are diagnosed and treated with great sensitivity and innovation by a team of cardiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutritionists and cardiothoracic surgeons who are supported by the comprehensive resources of a world-class academic medical center. Women without overt heart disease are assessed and advised on how to prevent heart disease and stroke.

That means that virtually every option is available to Rush patients from the latest medications to a full range of surgical and minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat everything from heart attacks to faulty valves to the latest devices, such as the biventricular pacemaker and implantable defibrillator, to regulate erratic heartbeats. It's all at Rush, where our clinical team works with patients to not only devise the best possible treatment plans, but to help them make vital lifestyle changes to prevent further problems.

	Visit RushStories.org and look for "Debbie's Story" to see how the Rush Heart Center for Women helped one woman.

2 BigHearts - Working Together for Women's Hearts
Rush University Medical Center and the 2 Big Hearts Foundation have joined forces to accomplish their shared goal of heightening awareness of heart disease in women. By making available heart health screenings throughout the year, these organizations hope to educate women and families about the importance of good heart health.