Geneva hospitals launch center for women's heart health

At the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), a new initiative is set to address a critical but often overlooked aspect of women's health. Dr. Elena Tessitore, an associate physician in cardiology, now heads a newly established center dedicated to cardiovascular health for women, a first for French-speaking Switzerland.

While heart attacks are commonly associated with men, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality among women in Switzerland. In 2024, these conditions were responsible for 10,600 deaths, representing 29% of all female fatalities – more than double the rate of breast cancer deaths. Despite this stark reality, awareness and research have historically focused more on male cardiovascular health.

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It is even the leading cause of female mortality in Switzerland: 29% of deaths, much more for example than breast cancer, which carries off 1400 women per year.

Dr. Tessitore explains that women's hearts differ significantly from men's: they are smaller, beat faster, and have narrower blood vessels. These physiological differences can lead to distinct symptoms during cardiac events, which may be misdiagnosed or underestimated. The new center aims to provide specialized care tailored to these unique characteristics.

Similar centers already exist in the United States, Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe, with existing Swiss facilities primarily in Zurich, Bern, and Basel. The establishment of this center in Geneva signifies a crucial step in advancing gender-specific cardiac care within the region. The center will focus on research, diagnosis, and treatment strategies that account for the specificities of female cardiovascular systems.

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Because women's hearts are smaller, beat faster, and are composed of narrower vessels. This explains different symptoms in case of trouble.