Women’s Heart Health and Advocacy with Dr. Cristina Pecci

In this episode of "The Healthspan Podcast," Dr. R. Todd Hurst welcomes Dr. Cristina Pecci, DO, a cardiology specialist with over 7 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Pecci specializes in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, vascular medicine, preventive care, and women's health, working at Steward Health in Tempe, AZ.

 

Dr. Pecci and Dr. Hurst dive into the topic of women's heart health, discussing the alarming fact that 1 in 4 women die from heart disease. They explore the reasons behind this statistic, touching on factors like genetics, PCOS, and estrogen deficiencies. Dr. Pecci emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and being aware of your genetic risk factors.

 

The conversation then moves on to the differences in how heart issues manifest in men and women, with women more likely to experience symptoms like digestive issues, nausea, referred pain, jaw pain, and fatigue. Dr. Pecci shares her advice for women on how to advocate for themselves and ensure they receive proper care.

Dr. Pecci also shares her approach to helping her patients and discusses the phenomenon of dying from a broken heart, also known as stress cardiomyopathy. She explains why women may be more likely to experience takosubo and how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a spike in these cases.

 

The discussion then explores the connection between stress, depression, anxiety, and heart health. Dr. Pecci shares her insights on the importance of support groups, sharing your story, and allowing yourself to be cared for after a heart attack or event. She emphasizes the need to control what you can and leave the rest to your doctor.

 

Join Dr. R. Todd Hurst and Dr. Cristina Pecci in this informative and empowering episode on women's heart health and advocacy. Subscribe now to The Healthspan Podcast and continue your journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.