(Miami, FL) (2/114/13) – Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute announced that it has joined the WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance, a program of WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.  The alliance brings together hospitals throughout the country that are committed to advancing women’s heart health. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in American women, and more women than men have died from heart disease.

”With our partnership with WomenHeart, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute takes a leadership role in supporting women living with heart disease,” said Carol Mascioli.  “We will be at the forefront of educating our community on heart health and bringing the latest information on diagnoses and treatments to our patients.”

By joining the WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance, the Institute will be part of the WomenHeart Support Network – the nation’s only peer led support network for women living with heart disease. Women heart patients who are trained at the annual WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic will work alongside the Institute team to bring important messages of prevention, early and accurate diagnosis and proper treatment to all South Florida women. Additionally, WomenHeart will support the Institute’s programs for women heart patients, including health screenings and fairs, discharge counseling and staff development.

“WomenHeart is thrilled to welcome Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute to the National Hospital Alliance,” said Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart. “This membership represents a real commitment to advancing women’s heart health in South Florida by teaming with WomenHeart to bring free education and support services to their women heart patients.”

For more information about Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s WomenHeart Support Network for women living with heart disease, visit BaptistHealth.net/MCVI.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It also includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital and outpatient locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.