In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Dr. Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano, an inspiring leader dedicated to improving women’s heart health. As a Peruvian-born cardiologist, Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano serves as the Director of the Women’s Heart Care Program, Co-Director of the SCAD Clinic, and Associate Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship at the University of Virginia. Her work emphasizes personalized, culturally competent care, and she leads pioneering research on sex differences in cardiovascular disease.
Under Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano’s visionary leadership, the Women’s Heart Care Program at UVA has evolved into a comprehensive initiative providing specialized care for women. The program includes three dedicated clinics—the Women’s Clinic, Cardio-Obstetric Clinic, and SCAD Clinic—that address cardiovascular conditions unique to women or more commonly seen in women. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive care tailored to their needs.
Reaching the Latino Community Through Comprehensive Care
In the Latino community, heart disease is a significant health concern, with Latino women at higher risk due to factors like obesity, diabetes, and cultural dietary habits. There are specific sex-related risk factors, including hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes, which are more prevalent among Latina women, further increase cardiovascular risk. Mental health factors, such as depression and anxiety, also contribute to the overall risk profile, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care.
Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano and her team at UVA Health Women’s Heart Care provide culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary care that addresses these unique needs. The program offers materials and forms in both Spanish and English, and bilingual staff and interpreter services ensure effective communication with patients who have limited English proficiency.
Addressing Barriers to Care in the Latino Community
Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano recognizes that Latino women face multiple barriers in accessing healthcare, including language differences, cultural beliefs, financial constraints, and discrimination. Many women in this community may lack health insurance or have limited access to affordable healthcare services. Language barriers and cultural differences can also lead to misunderstandings and suboptimal care, while experiences of discrimination can deter women from seeking the necessary medical help. This awareness drives Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano’s commitment to providing culturally competent care and bridging these gaps through education and community outreach.
Community Outreach and Education
The Women’s Heart Care Program has established a community outreach component to raise awareness and promote heart health among vulnerable populations. In collaboration with the Latino Health Initiative (LHI) program led by Dr. Max Luna and with support from Halima
Walker, RN, Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano has developed a Heart & Vascular Community Outreach Program that actively reaches out to Latino, African American, and refugee populations. This program includes a screening tool that identifies sex-specific risk factors and tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. During community events, education is provided on women’s unique risk factors, nutrition counseling tailored to Latino diets, and resources for managing mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Research Advancing Women’s Heart Health
Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano’s research is driving a deeper understanding of women’s heart health. She leads projects focused on developing innovative treatments for ischemia with non-obstructive coronary disease in women, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her work aims to transform the treatment of conditions that predominantly affect women and is at the forefront of developing therapies for women with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease and coronary microvascular dysfunction.
A Passion for Empowering Women
Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano’s career has been shaped by her upbringing in Peru, where she witnessed healthcare disparities firsthand. Her dedication to advancing women’s heart health and addressing disparities in cardiovascular care is evident in her clinical practice, research, and community outreach. She has made significant efforts to empower women with knowledge and resources to lead heart-healthy lives.
This year, her achievements were recognized with the DOM Excellence in Teaching Award for developing a comprehensive curriculum on women’s heart disease for cardiology fellows. This curriculum has played a pivotal role in educating future cardiologists, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the unique needs of female patients