The Myths, The Science, The Fix: Women and Heart Care

Women’s heart health equity is not a slogan. It is the difference between dismissal and diagnosis, between outdated myths and modern care. In this episode, Dr. Sharonne Hayes of Mayo Clinic explains how cardiology bias and research inclusion shape outcomes, why heart failure with preserved ejection fraction awareness and first response protocols save lives, and where AI and less invasive valve procedures are changing the care journey. You will hear how a Title IX moment in Dr. Hayes’s youth foreshadowed a career of advocacy; why early trials missed women; what we now know about heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and microvascular dysfunction; the cautionary tale of QT-prolonging drugs like Seldane; and how WomenHeart’s trained “champions” turn lived experience into community education. We discuss practical language patients can use in the ER, what first responders should avoid saying at the door, and why funding mandates must match the real cost of inclusive research. Dr. Hayes closes with a pragmatic optimism about AI-enhanced ECGs in primary care and a future where the right patients reach specialty care faster. Bio: Sharonne N. Hayes, M.D., is a cardiologist and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine. She has over 25 years of experience in treating complex heart and blood vessel conditions in the Women's Heart Clinic, Pericardial Diseases Clinic and general consultative cardiovascular medicine in both the hospital and outpatient settings. Her clinical and research focus areas include: Sex- and gender-based cardiology and caring for a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions that occur primarily and/or differently in women spanning prevention, diagnosis and treatments across women's lifespan. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and associated conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Dr. Hayes is an international expert on and a lead researcher for the Mayo Clinic SCAD Research Program. Diseases of the pericardium, such as inflammatory pericarditis and pericardial constriction. Achieving health equity among diverse populations, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, and others who experience health disparities. Increasing participation by underrepresented populations in medical research, especially women, racial and ethnic minorities and sexual minorities. Determining the utility and optimal role of social media in clinical practice, research and health education. In addition to her clinical and research activities, Dr. Hayes: Serves as Vice Chair, Academic Affairs and Faculty Development, for the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. Is a nationally recognized educator and speaker on diversity, health equity, women's health and cardiovascular issues and is frequently called upon by the media for her expertise. Has developed programs to enhance the professional and personal development and mentorship of women and minority physicians in order to promote a more diverse workforce at Mayo and in the field of medicine. Is an advocate for safe, equitable, and dignified healthcare workplaces that promote high-quality patient care and has developed programs to assess and mitigate unconscious bias in healthcare.     Music Credit: "Upbeat Corporate" by Music For Creators is licensed under CC BY (Creative Commons Attribution) via freemusicarchive.org.