At Heart & Vascular Partners (HVP), we’re proud to partner with physician leaders who are advancing cardiovascular care and improving access to innovative diagnostic tools. One of those leaders is Tonya Singh of St. Louis Heart & Vascular, who recently shared her perspective through the Cardiac PET Alliance on the transformative role cardiac PET can play in diagnosing and treating heart disease, particularly among women.
In the video, Tonya Singh discusses a challenge that many women continue to face: experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, only to be told that traditional testing shows no significant coronary artery blockages. Yet many of these patients continue to struggle with symptoms that impact their health and quality of life.
According to Dr. Singh, cardiac PET offers physicians a more complete picture of cardiovascular health by evaluating blood flow not only in the major coronary arteries but also within the heart’s microvasculature. This additional insight can help identify coronary microvascular dysfunction and other conditions that may not be detected through traditional testing pathways. As a result, physicians can make more informed treatment decisions and provide answers sooner for patients seeking relief from persistent symptoms.
Building on What We Know About Women’s Heart Disease
The importance of looking beyond traditional cardiac testing in women is supported by research from the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. Findings from the WISE study helped advance understanding of coronary microvascular dysfunction in women and demonstrated that many patients experience ischemic symptoms despite having no significant obstructive coronary artery disease.
These findings continue to underscore the value of advanced diagnostic tools, such as cardiac PET, that can provide additional insight into cardiovascular conditions that may otherwise go undetected. Learn more about the WISE study publication HERE.
Expanding Access Through Physician-Led Innovation
As a proud member of the Cardiac PET Alliance, HVP supports independent physicians who are leveraging advanced imaging technologies to improve patient care, expand access to innovative diagnostics, and help patients receive answers sooner.
Leaders like Tonya Singh are helping drive important conversations about women’s heart health while advancing the adoption of technologies that can improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Their advocacy reflects the important role independent physicians play in shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine.
