Jessica Duran, MD, addresses attendees of the first Vanderbilt Women’s Chest Pain Symposium, held Sept. 25 at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
The first Vanderbilt Women’s Chest Pain Symposium presented by the Vanderbilt Women’s Heart Center was held Sept. 25.
The focus of the interactive event at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks was to help improve women’s cardiovascular health through education and increased awareness, said organizer Jessica Duran, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine.
“Our goal is to empower women and educate them more about chest pain, how it presents in women, how we diagnose it, review available treatment options, and ultimately improve their health outcomes and quality of life,” Duran said.
Topics discussed during the symposium included common signs and symptoms of heart disease in women, types of heart disease that can cause chest pain in women, cardiac tests used to make a diagnosis; and treatment options including medications and recommended heart-healthy lifestyle interventions.
Chest pain is often related to heart disease in women but is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed in a timely fashion. Warning signs include:
- Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure, squeezing, fullness or aching in the chest that is often caused by exertion or stress.
- Radiating pain: Discomfort spreading to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or upper stomach.
- Breathing issues: Shortness of breath, which may occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Associated signs: Breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness, dizziness, unusual or extreme fatigue and nausea or vomiting.
“As a women’s heart specialist, it grieves me that in 2026 heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for women,” Duran said. “Our duty is to ensure that patients are aware of the warning signs and symptoms to look out for and feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their health care provider. And what I encourage my patients to do is: when it comes to your heart always take your symptoms seriously.
“If you have either a family history or risk factors for heart disease or you’re concerned about your symptoms, please meet with your health care provider to discuss your concerns. Together you can create a work-up and treatment plan if indicated that is tailored to meet your specific needs. If we are going to beat heart disease, it starts with empowering women and encouraging them to take ownership of their heart health.”
Kathryn Lindley, MD, Director of the Vanderbilt Health Women’s Heart Center and holder of the Samuel S. Riven, MD, Directorship in Cardiology, said, “I am so pleased with the outcome of this patient educational event. The attendees were so engaged and enthusiastic. It was a great opportunity to educate our community, and I’m looking forward to future symposia.”
