Mein Ziel ist, dass Sie sich medizinisch bestens betreut und persönlich gut aufgehoben fühlen - mit einem freundlichen Team, einer angenehmen Praxisatmosphäre und dem Gefühl, dass Ihr Anliegen ernst genommen wird.
Dr. Vera Schneider is a specialist in women’s cardiology. She has deepened her expertise with advanced studies in gender-specific medicine at the University of Zurich.
With a deep understanding of her patients’ individual needs, she supports women at every stage of life – from prevention to specialist diagnostics and treatment.
That is why a cardiac assessment tailored to women is so important.
The leading risk factors include:
- high blood pressure and raised cholesterol during the menopause
Falling oestrogen levels can significantly increase blood pressure and cholesterol and raise cardiovascular risk. - Pregnancy complications (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, heart failure)
They are regarded as early warning signs of later heart disease and should be followed up by a cardiologist over the long term. - Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis)
Chronic inflammation has been shown to increase the risk of heart and vascular disease. - Stress & mental strain
Caring responsibilities, the double burden of family and work, and lack of sleep all affect heart health.
We recommend a women-specific assessment in the following cases:
- unclear or atypical complaints such as shortness of breath, exhaustion, reduced performance, back pain or palpitations – even without classic symptoms such as chest pain
- cardiovascular symptoms during menopause
- cardiovascular complications during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- a structured assessment of your personal cardiovascular risk
We take the time for a thorough, holistic assessment.
Pregnancy puts considerable strain on the cardiovascular system.
Complications occur in up to 10% of pregnancies and can have long-term implications for heart health.
Relevant complications include:
- pre-eclampsia
- pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (gestational hypertension)
- gestational diabetes
- pregnancy-related heart failure (peripartum cardiomyopathy)
Menopause is a key turning point for women’s long-term heart health.
Many women experience the menopause as a time of upheaval. Yet while hot flushes and sleep problems are openly discussed, one danger often goes unseen:
cardiovascular risk. This includes:
- a rise in blood pressure – affecting 50% of women after the menopause
- a rise in cholesterol and blood lipids
- an increase in visceral fat and insulin resistance
- progressive atherosclerosis
- cardiac arrhythmias
For many women, the years between pregnancy and menopause are shaped by work, family and considerable mental strain.
From a cardiological perspective, this phase is often overlooked – which is exactly why preventive heart checks offer the chance to detect risks early, before disease develops.
In this phase, it is important to assess:
- persistent or new high blood pressure
- metabolic changes (insulin resistance, weight gain, lipid disorders)
- consequences of previous pregnancy complications
- chronic stress, lack of sleep and exhaustion
Drawing on gender medicine, we specifically record risk factors that affect women.
- pregnancy history (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension, miscarriages, premature births)
- menstrual cycle, early menopause, menopause, hormone therapies
- endometriosis
Alongside heart muscle and valve function, we pay particular attention to forms of heart failure that are more common in women.
- Women are more often affected by diastolic heart failure (HFpEF), in which the heart is not too weak but too stiff.
- There are also conditions that affect women almost exclusively, such as “broken heart syndrome” (Takotsubo).
Carotid ultrasound is an important non-invasive test for detecting arterial calcification (atherosclerosis) early.
- It shows deposits in the vessel walls at an early stage – often long before symptoms appear.
- Particularly in patients with high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes or a family history, it helps to assess individual cardiovascular risk.
We analyse the lipid profile, metabolic markers, hormones and cycle-related factors, among others.
- lipid profile: LDL cholesterol, ApoB, lipoprotein(a) (particularly relevant in women)
- hs-CRP (chronic inflammation)
- autoimmune diagnostics (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
- iron status (deficiency can cause fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance)
Related news
- Our podcast: “Rethinking heart health” · 14 July 2026
- Detecting arterial plaque early: already common in young adults · 5 October 2026
Do women have different symptoms of heart disease?
Yes. In women, heart problems often present atypically – for example with breathlessness, nausea, back or jaw pain, severe fatigue or dizziness. That is why a targeted cardiac assessment is so important.
Can the menopause cause heart problems?
Hormonal changes can affect blood pressure, cholesterol, blood vessels and heart rhythm. New breathlessness, palpitations or reduced fitness should be checked by a cardiologist.
Does a cardiological examination make sense even without acute symptoms?
Yes. Particularly if you have known risk factors, have had pregnancy complications or are going through the menopause, an early assessment provides clarity and reassurance.
Does the menopause affect cardiovascular risk?
Falling oestrogen levels increase the risk of high blood pressure, lipid disorders and cardiac arrhythmias. Prevention is particularly effective at this stage of life.
Is hormone replacement therapy a risk for the heart?
Not in general. Modern transdermal preparations (patches or gels) usually do not increase cardiovascular risk and may even have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol. Personal advice will give you certainty.
What should I do about heart problems during pregnancy or after giving birth?
High blood pressure, arrhythmias or heart failure can occur – often without clear warning signs. Close monitoring can often avoid a hospital stay. You are of course welcome to bring your baby: we offer a calm atmosphere and space for feeding and changing.
