Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. However, for the past 26 years, more women than men have died of heart disease annually. One of the principal challenges is that the symptoms of heart disease in women can be drastically different from symptoms in men.
To better address the heart health needs of women on the First Coast, the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville and the Shands Jacksonville Cardiovascular Center have created the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program. In addition to specializing in diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women and ethnic groups, the program will conduct related clinical research and provide community and professional education.
Gladys Velarde, MD, who joined the UF division of cardiology in August 2011, will serve as medical director of the new program. Prior to joining UF, Velarde was an associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and was both director and founder of its Women’s Heart Program.
“Gender and ethnic differences and disparities in cardiovascular health have not been addressed adequately in our country,” said Velarde. “While many institutions give only lip service to changing this reality, the University of Florida and the Shands Jacksonville Cardiovascular Center are doing something about it. I am invigorated by their commitment and believe that together we will make a difference.”
Velarde received her medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Presbyterian Hospital and her cardiovascular disease fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, both in New York.
Velarde has researched and presented extensively on the topic of women and cardiovascular disease. In addition, she has been honored for her service and dedication in her medical profession. This past April, she received the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women for her contribution to the prevention of heart disease in women. March of 2010, she received the Women of Distinction Award from the American Heart Association – Go Red Campaign. In 2007 and 2008, she was the recipient of the Leadership Award from the National Hispanic Medical Association for outstanding contribution to the understanding of cardiac health in the Latino community. Also in 2007, she received the Merit Service Award form Mended Hearts, Inc.
“We are so pleased to have Dr. Velarde join the University of Florida and Shands Jacksonville Cardiovascular Center to lead us in this exciting area,” said Theodore Bass, MD, UF professor and chief of the division of cardiology. “We are confident that we will develop an outstanding multidisciplinary program which will provide the highest quality of service to our patients.”