By Liberty Hospital
With heart disease as the leading cause of death among women, two female cardiologists are on a mission to reverse this trend — one patient at a time.
Dr. Tehmeena Shah and Dr. Varda Singhal, interventional cardiologists at Liberty Hospital Heart Center, are working to address the unique challenges women face with heart disease. They are part of a small group in their field, with women making up less than 4% of coronary interventionalists in the United States. Along with completing three years of cardiology training, interventional cardiologists spend an additional year mastering technical procedures such as stent placements for coronary artery blockages caused by chest pain or heart attacks.
“The field of cardiology is like a thrilling puzzle,” said Dr. Shah. “Each patient’s story, combined with their physical exam, test results, and procedures, helps us create a path for better health outcomes.”
Dr. Shah’s interest in cardiology grew even stronger after a personal experience. In her final year of medical school, her father suffered a heart attack in his early 50s. <n> “His treatment and recovery process reinforced my decision to specialize in cardiology,” she shared. “I enjoy the technical challenges of my job, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to form long-term relationships with my patients.”
Dr. Singhal’s connection to heart health comes from her own family’s experiences. Growing up in Delhi, India, she watched her mother navigate serious heart issues, including undergoing open-heart surgery at the age of 22.
“I accompanied her to many of her doctor visits, and I found myself both fascinated by the field and deeply grateful for the care she received,” Dr. Singhal recalled.
Her growing interest led her to the U.S., where she completed a residency in Rochester, NY, followed by a general cardiology fellowship in Nebraska and an interventional cardiology fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. During her fellowship, she was the only female in her cohort and noted that there had been no women in previous years either.
“But the field is evolving, and now we see one or two female fellows each year,” she said.
As more women seek out female cardiologists, Dr. Shah is pleased to see the shift. “It’s fulfilling to see more women feel comfortable with a female doctor,” she said. “After all, women understand each other better.”
Dr. Shah also notes that women often wait longer to seek treatment for heart attacks, a delay that can have serious consequences. Many women tend to dismiss symptoms like chest pain, neck or jaw discomfort, nausea, or lightheadedness. “Women face the same general risk factors for heart disease—such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—but there are additional risk factors for young women, like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and even certain breast cancer treatments,” she explains. “I’m particularly focused on heart attacks caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and want to help raise awareness, so women receive quick, effective care to prevent fatal outcomes.”
Having lived in Kansas City for over a decade, Dr. Shah enjoys life with her husband and three children. Dr. Singhal, who lives in the Northland with her husband Dr. Pulkesh Bhatia, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Liberty Hospital, and their two children, also feels at home in the community.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah or Dr. Singhal, call 816-407-5430.
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