Raising Awareness About Women, Heart Disease; National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Launches Heart Truth Campaign/Red Dress Project

2/14/2003

From: Marti L. Harris of George Washington University Hospital, 202-715-4447; marti.harris@gwu-hospital.com

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- First Lady Laura Bush and cardiologists across America are talking about women and heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, a largely unknown fact among the population. The physicians at The George Washington University Hospital are committed to educating women about their vulnerability to the life threatening disease, and are creating the GW Hospital Women's Heart Center to further the mission.

The new facility, to open late spring 2003, will focus on women's heart health and provide an opportunity for women to gain the knowledge and support they need to make decisions about treatment and prevention. "It is vital that women understand that heart disease is not simply a men's issue," says Dr. Susan K. Bennett, director of the Women's Heart Center and medical spokesperson for the Heart Truth Campaign/Red Dress project of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. "At GW Hospital we provide individualized assistance to make women healthier. This attention may include regular preventive screenings, as the first lady recommended, and understanding how their risks may differ from their male counterparts.

Dr. Judith Hsia, Director of the Lipid Research Clinic at the GWU Medical Center, will provide services and educate women about lifestyle choices. She says, "Because of the fact that one out of every three women in America die of heart disease, I think it is important for women to have other women to rely on for support, understanding, and expert advice. The new center will be a means to that end."

Dr. Hsia and Dr. Bennett are available to make additional comments on women and heart disease and the new Women's Heart Center at The George Washington University Hospital.

Dr. Susan K. Bennett, is an expert in how heart disease affects women and specializes in prevention and heart failure. -- Office: 202-723-5524

Dr. Judith Hsia, is the director of the Lipid Research Center at the GWU Medical Center and is an authority on women and heart disease. -- Office: 202-741-2321