Why Women and Why Now

Millions of women live with, or are at risk of, heart disease.

But too many are unaware that heart disease is the biggest health threat they face. Heart disease behaves differently in women than in men—from risk factors to symptoms, and from diagnosis to treatment and outcomes. Maintaining better lifestyle habits may prevent up to 80 percent of heart disease and 90 percent of type 2 diabetes (American Society of Nephrology, 2005). Aggressive prevention is the single most important treatment for women.   

The responsibility of heart disease prevention is a shared one—beginning with individuals and their physicians. The UVA Club Red Clinic medical team is ready to help you live heart healthy. At the clinic, you’ll find a supportive environment of women helping one another make important lifestyle changes.

Is the Club Red Clinic right for me?

The UVA Club Red Clinic is designed for women with heart disease, diabetes, or those at risk, who would like to:

• Reduce their risk factors for heart disease and diabetes
• Prevent diabetes or a first heart attack
• Reduce chances of a recurrent heart attack
• Improve lifestyle and quality of life

As a patient, you may choose a traditional, individual visit or a shared medical appointment that includes six to nine other women. Treatment needs are specifically tailored for each woman.

What is a shared medical appointment?

A shared medical appointment (SMA) is a 90-minute medical visit with your physician or nurse practitioner and our interdisciplinary team, in the company of other women who are looking to improve their heart health. Our team includes cardiologists, endocrinologists, cardiovascular nurse practitioners and nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and pharmacists. Patients receive the same medical care they would get during a traditional individual visit. During an SMA, you still have the opportunity to be examined or address personal issues privately with your physician or nurse practitioner when needed. Typical insurance co-pay applies. 

Women who take part in a SMA find the motivation, support and medical oversight needed to make and sustain lifestyle changes. These can include weight loss, healthy eating, physical activity or good blood sugar control. 

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