Women’s Heart Center
Our trusted team of compassionate women’s health experts brings together hundreds of years of experience. Through coordinated patient-focused care, we pave the way for a better future for all women with cardiovascular disease through our unwavering commitment to excellence and improving the quality of life for our patients.
By combining state-of-the-art health care with an integrative wellness approach, we have developed a progressive women’s heart program to treat heart conditions arising during pregnancy, and Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD,) Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, HFpEF, complex arrhythmia management, and other heart and vascular conditions disproportionately affecting women of all ages.
Nationally Recognized Heart Care Team
The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care doctors are leaders in treating women with cardiovascular disease and have spearheaded some of the most innovative clinical care protocols in the medical field today.
The Texas Heart Institute is recognized nationally and internationally for developing novel imaging techniques, minimally invasive interventional techniques, and prevention and disease management strategies. We welcome the opportunity to help women in our local, regional, and global community by ensuring they can access the best care for their needs.
Our Team
Stephanie Coulter, MD
Heather Pemberton, MD
Women’s Heart Center & Research Support Staff
Karla Campos
Allison Droddy, ACS, RDCS, RT(R), FASE
Sandra Irigoyen
Keri Sprung
FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is usually caused by fatty deposits (plaque) laid down in the artery walls. The deposits are encouraged by high blood pressure, high blood levels of cholesterol, tobacco smoking, and diabetes. Cholesterol-lowering medicines are often prescribed for people with CAD. However, sometimes arteries are narrow for other reasons, and a condition called FMD or Fibromuscular Dysplasia is impacting women disproportionately – in fact, women represent 90% of FMD cases.
Why does this matter? Because the treatments we prescribe for CAD and FMD may differ. A treatment strategy for FMD may include different medications, such as medicine for blood pressure and clots, or even require vascular procedures, such as angioplasty or surgery.
Visit the FMD & Arterial Dissection Clinic Homepage
Learn More About Our FMD Registry
Heart Failure with Preserved (HFpEF) or Reserved (HFrEF) Ejection Fraction
Our clinical leadership continues to apply new knowledge about the underlying causes of all heart and vascular disease conditions, including heart failure in women, and how we can better treat and prevent it. Some key risk factors for HFpEF include age, blood pressure, BMI, and previous MI. Inflammation is believed to play a crucial role in the development of HFpEF, and differences in the prevalence of comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension between the sexes may contribute to the higher risk for women.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (“Broken Heart Syndrome”)
Often referred to as “broken heart syndrome,” Takotsubo syndrome has clinical features that can mimic those of coronary artery disease (CAD). In fact, CAD is frequently seen in patients with takotsubo syndrome and can lead to worse clinical outcomes, such as cardiogenic shock, the development of heart failure, and even death. Family history is a significant risk factor that physicians use in guiding medical decisions, especially for patients who present with chest pain.
Stress Can Lead to Broken Heart Syndrome
Impact of family history of coronary artery disease on clinical outcomes in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Research to Improve Treatment Outcomes
Through our practice, you may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and research registries. The Texas Heart Institute’s clinical trials include experimental treatments that may improve patient care.
Learn More about Participating in Our Women’s Research
Learn More About our Active Clinical Trials
Learn More about Women’s Heart Health
About the Women’s Heart Center (Download)
Learn More About Women’s Health
Read & Subscribe to Dr. Coulter’s Newsletter
Straight Talk By Dr. Stephanie, Texas Heart Institute’s Center for Women’s Heart & Vascular Health Director, demystifies women’s heart issues in over 40 different e-newsletters that address current topics and research related to women and heart disease, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Read Archives & Sign Up
Make an Appointment
Contact the Women’s Center or request an appointment through the Contact Us form below.