Heart ailments are the biggest threat to women in the USA, but sadly, it still gets neglected as much of the other diseases concerning women do. Cardiothoracic surgeon Maria Tehrani has directed focus towards women’s cardiac health and gender-based surgical treatment in Westwood, Los Angeles. She is changing that narrative.

Investigating The Gender Gap In Cardiac Care

Women heart patient’s needs are different compared to men. The hurdles women in Westwood and Los Angeles experience regarding cardiac disease includes: – Diagnosis is often delayed due to women having different heart attack symptoms than men. – Female cardiac patients tend to have more co-morbidities at the time of diagnosis. – Surgical procedures are more difficult because women tend to have smaller coronary arteries. – Cardiovascular risks and surgical outcomes are affected by fluctuations of hormones.
Westwood residents often come with diagnoses of anxiety or stress,” says Dr. Tehrani. Unfortunately, by the time they need surgical intervention their disease is more complex than what we expect to see in male patients.

Dr. Tehrani’s Women-Focused Program in Westwood

Dr. Tehrani located in Westwood specializes in care of women patients seeking cardiac surgical care, conveniently located near UCLA Medical Center, where the clinic is located.

Tailored Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Dr. Tehrani’s approach begins from the first interaction with the patient, performing a detailed medical history analysis by employing more sophisticated schemes of risk scoring: – Women-specific advanced cardiac imaging – Evaluation of the hormonal profile and its effect on heart issues

Assessment of history in pregnancy and childbirth, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Screening of family history with special emphasis on the women in the family.

Screening for autoimmune condition (more frequent in women with cardiac illness).

In the words of Dr. Tehrani, “Women of Westwood are entitled to receive cardiology in a manner that pays attention to the peculiarities of diseases of the heart and their vessels in women.” “We have developed our evaluation protocols with these nuances in mind,” Dr. Tehrani adds.

Often Modification in Surgical Techniques Specific to Female Patients

Los Angeles based women’s heart specialist, Dr. Tehrani has pioneered a number of surgical modifications for her female patients.

Prioritizing less invasive surgical technique

Minimally invasive approaches Increasing focus on achieving less incisions and superficial injuries is especially useful in women who have longer recuperative periods after conventional surgery.

Specialized techniques for valve reconstruction

account for the frequently smaller valve and softer tissue which is characteristic of many women.

Use of modified bypass approaches

To overcome the limitations presented by narrowing coronary vessels encountered in female patients.

More effective methods of ensuring conservation of blood

These are crucial for women who have greater risks of complications due to transfusions.

Care after surgery that recognizes womanhood

For the women of Westwood, recovery from heart surgery comes with challenges that are unique.

Active pain management after surgery with a stronger focus on the gendered nature of medication response.

Early ambulation protocols to address gender specific post surgical complications.

Medication changes with attention to hormone levels where necessary.

– Providing mental assistance to mitigate the pronounced incidence of depression after surgery among women.

– Discharge planning that is inclusive of the family unit and appreciates the caregiving roles of women.

Tackling Diversity Issues for Women In Westwood

Westwood and Women throughout Los Angeles are served by Dr. Tehrani’s practice as he understands their diversity:

– All staff members undergo cultural sensitivity education.

– Translation for patients who do not speak English.

– How culture may affect cardiac health of women is taken into consideration.

– Programs aim at addressing underserved females in the outlying areas of Los Angeles.

Leading Research in Women’s Cardiac Surgery

In addition to clinical care, Dr. Tehrani’s office in Westwood takes part in teaching about heart disease of women:

– Involvement with clinical studies and trials with females that are cardiac patients.

– Dissemination of knowledge on cardiac health of women resulting from the research done outside Los Angeles.

– Teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students about particular requirements of cardiac surgery in women.

Success Stories from Westwood Women

Dr. Tehrani’s practice is making an impact on the patients’ outcomes as a result of the gender-specific approach she takes:

As a Westwood resident, Sarah states, “I suffered from symptoms for several years, but three different doctors could not help me until I saw Dr. Tehrani, who diagnosed my valve disease.”

“Women can present heart disease differently and because of this, Elena’s life was saved.”

Dr. Tehrani’s approach with heart surgeries also helped Elena with her heart surgery. She said, “I was able to go back to my job and family much quicker than I anticipated.”

Indicators For An Appointment With Dr. Tehrani, Westwood Practice

Dr. Tehrani’s female patients from Los Angeles and Westwood would benefit from booking a consultation if they:

– Have previously been told there are no heart issues, but know there are cardiac symptoms

– Have a family history and other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and smoking

– Would prefer to get a second opinion before being put through cardiac procedures

– Need complex valve repairs or replacements

– Face cardiac care with autoimmune conditions

A New Era of Cardiac Surgery for Women in Westwood

Dr. Maria Tehrani and her specialized practice for women’s cardiac health has changed the reality of Westwood and Los Angeles women enabling them to transform their health outcomes. Because of the style of care she delivers, the traumatic socio-hormonal and physiological determinants of the heart health for women are integrated into systemic healthcare, allowing every female patient to receive bespoke surgical solutions.