Many women are still surprised to learn that heart disease, and not cancer, is their number one killer in the United States.

Indeed, more women die from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular disorders than from all forms of cancer combined. And women who have a heart attack are more likely to die from one than men.

At UC Davis Health System, researchers and clinicians are engaged in innovative research programs to find solutions to this widespread health threat.

In addition to investigating vascular biology and conducting translational research in laboratory and clinical settings, cardiologist Amparo Villablanca conducts medical research in the community. Through innovative educational curricula and unique partnerships with national organizations, she is developing and testing models for preventive heart-care delivery and assessing improved outcomes in high-risk women in community settings. Her research in this area is supported by a federal grant and funding from a UC Davis Health System grant.

“While evidence-based medical care in the clinical setting is essential, we also desperately need models of effective interventions in community settings,” says Villablanca, professor of cardiovascular medicine, holder of the Frances Lazda Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine, and founder of the UC Davis Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine Program.

“We must help women to better recognize their risks for heart disease and then take steps to reduce those risks before a heart attack or stroke, while we continuously assess new methods that will promote and prompt effective action.”

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