Women’s Heart Health

Women’s Heart Health services offered in Santa Monica, CA

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States, yet most cardiovascular research has historically focused on men. Jenica L. Ortega, MD, is dedicated to making that change. With specialized training in women’s heart health, she understands how pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes uniquely impact your cardiovascular system. At Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Ortega listens attentively to your concerns and designs personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. To get the heart care you deserve, call the office or book online today.

Women’s Heart Health Q & A

Why is women’s heart health important?

Heart disease doesn’t show up the same way in women as it does in men. You might have dangerous blockages in your smallest blood vessels, while your main arteries look fine on standard tests, your symptoms might feel like exhaustion or nausea instead of chest pain.

If you had complications during pregnancy or went through menopause early, most risk assessment tools won’t account for how much those experiences raised your cardiovascular risk. Getting the correct diagnosis and treatment depends on working with a cardiologist who actually understands these differences.

Dr. Ortega has specialized training in women’s cardiovascular health and utilizes assessment tools designed specifically for women’s bodies.

What conditions does women's heart health address?

Dr. Ortega provides comprehensive care for cardiovascular conditions that affect women, including:

Coronary artery disease and microvascular dysfunction
Heart disease is related to pregnancy complications
Cardiovascular effects of menopause
Arrhythmias and palpitations
High blood pressure and lipid disorders
Heart valve disease
Cardiomyopathy, including peripartum cardiomyopathy
Risk assessment for women with autoimmune conditions

She also provides preventive care to help you avoid developing heart disease in the first place.

What can you expect from women’s heart health care?

Dr. Ortega starts by listening carefully to your symptoms and taking a detailed history that includes your reproductive health, pregnancy history, and hormonal status. She performs a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests like:

Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) to check your heart’s electrical activity
Echocardiography to see how your heart is pumping
Stress testing to evaluate how your heart performs during activity
Advanced lipid panels to assess your cholesterol and inflammation markers
Cleerly’s AI-powered analysis of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) to identify, quantify, and characterize plaque in your arteries with precision that goes beyond standard calcium scoring

She creates treatment plans that consider your whole health picture, not just your heart. Dr. Ortega works with your primary care provider and specialists to ensure you receive coordinated care. She also helps you manage risk factors through lifestyle modifications and medications, always considering how treatments can impact other aspects of your health.

Women deserve cardiovascular care for themselves. Dr. Ortega stays current on the latest research in women’s heart health to give you the best care possible.

To schedule your women’s heart health consultation, call Dr. Ortega or book online today.