According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for 1 in 4 female deaths.* This alarming statistic is what led Physicians Regional Cardiologist, Dr. Sarah deLeon Mansson, to take a special interest in women’s heart health. She recognizes that there are fundamental differences in the way heart disease symptoms are recognized and diagnosed in women. “Many women are often too busy with families and other responsibilities to take time to stop and listen to their own bodies. Symptoms are often subtle in heart disease victims,” says Dr. Mansson. “Symptoms can often be down-played by women and their providers.” She also recognizes that women have specific issues that can contribute to heart disease such as pregnancy, menopause and breast cancer.
Dr. Mansson’s fascination with the heart and its complexity helped her choose to seek board certification in Cardiology. “In the field of cardiology, there is never-ending discovery and learning to be done. There are always new ways to treat the heart, and novel therapies that have yet to be discovered. It is an exciting time to be in this field, and every day I wake up eager to learn more to help my patients live better lives.”
Dr. Mansson grew up in California, but moved to the northeast to complete her D.O. at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY. She later completed her Residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ, followed by a Cardiovascular Fellowship at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Brown Mills, NJ. During this time, she helped start a women’s heart program at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, and served as Interim Echocardiography Director for the Cardio-Oncology Imaging Committee for Women’s Heart Health.
Dr. Mansson takes an integrative approach when treating her patients. “I believe in treating the whole person. I promote wellness, so both male and female patients live better and longer. The first step is understanding the patient’s current state of health.” She combines integrative care with the latest medical diagnostic tests and therapies, and
emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. Dr. Mansson believes that educating women, and making sure everyone understands their risk factors is essential to preventing and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Important lifestyle choices for women include:
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Refraining from smoking
• Stress reduction techniques (meditation, yoga)
• Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat,
cholesterol and salt, and staying away from
refined carbohydrates
• Exercising 30-60 minutes, most days of the week
This summer, Dr. Mansson moved to Naples with her husband, Dr. Jonas Mansson and their four children. Dr. Jonas Mansson also began working as General Surgeon at Physicians Regional Medical Group. They chose Naples because they wanted to be a part of a close knit community that would allow them to grow a medical practice. She also wanted to be in a place where her family could continue their heart-healthy lifestyle. “We wanted an environment that allows for more physical activity, more time to be outside and appreciate the outdoors. We also have family nearby in Cape Coral, so it has been a tremendous blessing for us.”
Dr. Mansson invites patients to come in for a comprehensive cardiac screening to identify heart disease risk, and receive education on continuing care for themselves and their hearts for years to come.
Dr. Mansson’s office is located at Physicians Regional –Collier Blvd, 8340 Collier Boulevard, Naples. 34114.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (239) 348-4221, or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com.
*https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_women_heart.htm