WomenHeart

WomenHeart

www.womenheart.org

Background: Founded by three heart attack survivors frustrated by the lack of information on women and heart disease, WomenHeart is a national nonprofit that promotes early diagnosis of heart disease, education and support for women at risk.

The organization is backed by donations from individuals and corporations, including makers of drugs and medical technology.

What Works: One of the best things about WomenHeart is the good company it provides; its lively bulletin board is filled with interesting, detailed stories of women who’ve had heart symptoms or scares. The site also handles the basic questions about heart attacks: “Many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a ‘movie’ heart attack ... the truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort.”

Women often perceive heart symptoms differently from men, and have different treatment decisions to make--whether to start hormone therapy, for instance. The site could do a better job of explaining these differences. But it’s very strong in directing families and sufferers on where to go for help and support.

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Benedict Carey