Tips for a heart-healthy Valentine's Day; a blood test that could improve heart attack prevention; just 17% of cardiologists are women – Morning Medical Update

Heart-healthy Valentine's Day advice

The American Heart Association (AHA) highlighted ways to celebrate this Valentine’s Day while keeping heart health in mind, in an article titled, “Celebrate Valentine’s Day with actual hearts in mind.” Instead of the usual indulgent chocolates and lavish dinners, experts suggest simple adjustments — including sharing meals, cooking at home, or choosing heart-friendly activities, like dancing or going for a walk.

AHA’s coverage shares how relationships impact health, and how small mindful choices can lead to a holiday that is both more meaningful and heart healthy. Read the full article on AHA’s website.

New blood test could improve heart attack prevention

A new blood test, called the TRIPLE Score, could transform how doctors prevent heart attacks and strokes. Developed by researchers at the University of Reading, this test measures specific proteins in the blood alongside a patient’s age to determine who would benefit most from preventive blood-thinning medications.

Currently, these medications are only prescribed post-heart attack on account of the risk of serious bleeding. The TRIPLE Score looks to change that by identifying at-risk patients before an event occurs, potentially saving lives and reducing emergency care costs.

Women prefer female cardiologists, but they’re hard to find

A national survey from El Camino Health highlights a challenge in women’s heart care: 59% of women believe female doctors better understand their experiences, but only 17% of cardiologists are women. Currently, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, accounting for one-in-five female deaths. El Camino Health is addressing this gap with its Women’s Heart Center, which focusses on the unique heart health risks that women face, including pregnancy-related complications and under-recognized symptoms like jaw or shoulder pain.

“Data shows that women have better outcomes when they are seen by women physicians or providers for their heart health. Therefore, I made it my mission to craft a center where women could feel more comfortable and we could deliver more equitable and quality care,” said Jane Lombard, MD, medical director of the Women’s Heart Center at El Camino Health.