The complexities of chronic disease in women

A woman’s risk of being diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions, such as heart disease, can be influenced by her lifestyle and family history. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Crystal Clark, chief medical officer for Community HealthChoices and senior advisor for the Center for Social Impact at UPMC Health Plan; and cardiologist Dr. Amber Johnson, to discuss chronic diseases that affect women. We also discuss how social determinants such as education, community, and career can impact health.

Related to this Episode:

  • Love your heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. More than 40% of women are living with the disease, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports.
  • Know the danger signs. Women sometimes miss symptoms of a heart attack, or mistake what they’re feeling for another, less severe condition. Nausea, vomiting, and a pain in the neck are among the symptoms women might experience. Learn from the CDC.
  • Get informed.  Read more about surveys conducted by the Heart Association since 1997, to try to gauge awareness of coronary heart disease among women. Read more.
  • Where you live, and what your lifestyle habits are, both affect your health more than your access to quality health care. The National Academy of Medicine breaks it down, using county health rankings.
  • Learn more about the UPMC Health Plan Center for Social Impact, which offers resources related to social determinants of health.

"Good Health, Better World" is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Guest Speakers

Dr. Crystal Clark

Dr. Amber Johnson

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