Women's Heart Center
A woman’s heart is unique, and so are its challenges. Though heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, it often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated. That’s why Vanderbilt Health offers a specialized program tailored to women's heart health needs across their lifespan – from adolescence and childbirth to menopause. Our team of experts works together to treat heart disease with the special needs of women in mind.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all heart conditions, including:
- Aortopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary vasospasm
- Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)
- Heart disease during menopause
- Heart disease in oncology patients
Meet Your Care Team
Sharmin BasherMD, MS
- Cardiovascular Medicine, General Cardiology, Heart and Vascular, Preventive Cardiology, Women's Heart Disease
Julie B. DampMD
- Angina, Cardiac Imaging, Cardiovascular Medicine, Coronary Heart Disease, General Cardiology, Heart Valve Diseases, Heart and Vascular
Benjamin P. FrischhertzMD
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Aortic Center, Cardiovascular Medicine, Complex Single Ventricle Conditions, Congenital Heart Disease, General Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Melissa LevackMD
- Aortic Center, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Valve Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Valve Center, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Surgery for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Elise W. BoosMD, MSc
- Contraception, Gynecology, Implanon, Intrauterine Devices, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Tubal Ligation
Soha S. PatelBS, MSPH, MSc, MD
- Diabetic Care in Pregnancy, Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Gynecology, Maternal Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy), Multiple Pregnancy, Obstetrics
Jennifer ThompsonMD
- Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy), Obstetrics and Gynecology
Why Choose Women's Heart Center at Vanderbilt
- Recognized care
U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the top 20 of the nation's best hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery, as well as obstetrics and gynecology care.
- Specialized care
Our team has the expertise to treat cardiac conditions that are more common in women, such as sudden coronary artery dissection (SCAD), myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), stress cardiomyopathy and coronary vasospasm.
- Team approach
The Vanderbilt Women’s Heart Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts in one convenient location, including cardiologists specializing in women’s health, obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, psychiatrists and dietitians.
- Pregnancy care
Pregnancy can place extra strain on the heart, requiring specialized care for women with hypertension, cardiomyopathy or other cardiovascular conditions. Our nationally recognized cardio-obstetrics experts work closely with your obstetrician and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to identify and treat these conditions before, during and after pregnancy.
- Advanced care
As part of an academic medical center, we are leaders in caring for the most complex conditions. Our commitment to women's health research means that you receive the most current, advanced treatment available.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Advanced cardiac imaging
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Contraceptive counseling and services
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting
- Genetic testing
- Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise
- Medical therapy