What conditions do your cardiologists treat?

Our board-certified cardiologists treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, peripheral artery disease, and cardiomyopathy. We also provide preventive cardiac evaluations for patients with risk factors such as family history of heart disease or diabetes.

Where are your cardiology offices located in Bergen County?

Cross County Cardiology has 8 office locations throughout Bergen County and the surrounding area, including Paramus, Ridgewood, Hoboken, Edgewater, Englewood, Fort Lee, and additional locations to serve communities across northern New Jersey. Each office is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology so you can receive comprehensive cardiac care close to home.

Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist at Cross County Cardiology?

While many patients are referred by their primary care physician, a referral is not always required. We recommend checking with your insurance plan, as some plans require a referral for specialist visits. You can call our office to verify your coverage and schedule an appointment.

What should I expect during my first cardiology appointment?

Your initial visit typically includes a comprehensive review of your medical history, a physical examination, and may include diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram. Your cardiologist will discuss your symptoms, risk factors, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior test results.

What insurance plans does Cross County Cardiology accept?

We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans. Our billing team can verify your coverage before your appointment. Please contact our office with your insurance information, and we will confirm your benefits and any applicable copays or deductibles prior to your visit.

Women's heart disease specialist cardiologist in New Jersey

Women’s Heart Disease in New Jersey

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States — yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population. Women experience heart disease differently than men, often presenting with atypical symptoms that can be misattributed to stress, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues. At Cross County Cardiology, our cardiologists are trained to recognize these differences and provide women with the accurate diagnosis and expert care they deserve.

Why Heart Disease Affects Women Differently

For decades, cardiovascular research focused primarily on male patients, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of how heart disease presents in women. Hormonal factors — particularly the decline in estrogen after menopause — play a major role in cardiovascular risk. Women are also more likely than men to develop obstructive coronary artery disease later in life, and they are disproportionately affected by microvascular angina and Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy.

Traditional cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity apply to both sexes — but women with these conditions often carry a higher relative risk than men with the same factors.

Heart Disease Risk Factors Specific to Women

In addition to standard cardiovascular risk factors, women face unique risk contributors that are frequently overlooked:

Pregnancy complications — gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes are all associated with elevated long-term cardiac risk
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — linked to insulin resistance, hypertension, and adverse lipid profiles
Premature menopause — natural or surgical menopause before age 40-45 significantly increases cardiovascular risk
Autoimmune conditions — lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar diseases are more prevalent in women and accelerate atherosclerosis
Mental health — depression and anxiety are more prevalent among women and are independent cardiac risk factors

How Heart Disease Symptoms Differ in Women

The “classic” heart attack presentation — crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm — is more common in men. Women experiencing a cardiac event more frequently report:

Unusual fatigue or exhaustion, sometimes days before the event
Shortness of breath without significant chest discomfort
Nausea, indigestion, or upper abdominal discomfort
Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sleep disturbances

These symptoms are often subtle and may not immediately suggest a cardiac origin. When in doubt, a cardiology evaluation is always the right step.

Conditions We Commonly Diagnose and Treat in Women

Coronary Microvascular Disease

Women are significantly more likely than men to have coronary artery disease affecting the small vessels that supply the heart muscle (microvascular disease). This condition often causes angina without significant blockages in the main coronary arteries, and requires specialized evaluation beyond a standard stress test.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Also called “broken heart syndrome,” Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by intense physical or emotional stress and causes sudden, temporary weakening of the heart muscle. It is far more common in postmenopausal women and typically resolves with proper treatment.

Atrial Fibrillation

Women with AFib have a higher stroke risk than men and may experience more disabling symptoms. Management strategies — including anticoagulation and rhythm control — are tailored to each patient’s individual profile.

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

This form of heart failure, in which the heart muscle pumps normally but the ventricle is stiff, is more prevalent in women — particularly older women with hypertension.

Comprehensive Women’s Cardiovascular Care in New Jersey

At Cross County Cardiology, we take a proactive, individualized approach to women’s heart health. From risk assessment and prevention counseling to advanced diagnostic testing and ongoing management, our team is committed to providing the highest standard of cardiovascular care to women at every stage of life.

Call (551) 373-9007 or schedule online to arrange your women’s heart health evaluation at one of our five Northern New Jersey locations.

Women’s Heart Disease Cardiologist New Jersey | Cross County Cardiology