Women generally have higher heart rates and smaller hearts and arteries than men. This means that when it comes to heart disease, plaque builds differently within women’s blood vessels.
Female hormones can also make arteries smaller, causing them to be more prone to blood clots or blockages and more difficult to repair.
Women can show different symptoms of a heart attack. For both men and women, the most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, but women can experience a heart attack without chest symptoms. They may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue. Because symptoms in women can be less specific, they can be harder to recognize as danger signs.
Women may also experience different mental and neurological symptoms when they experience a blood vessel related injury to the brain such as a TIA (mini-stroke) – a problem in the blood vessels of the brain that causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to a certain brain region. Because women and men’s brains and blood vessels are slightly different in form and function, stroke and TIA symptoms can vary widely in women compared to men, depending on the part of the brain that is affected.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the following are true, when comparing cardiovascular health between women and men:
Explaining why these differences exist and what can be done to address them requires more research.
Some risk factors are a red flag for women. While men and women share most of the same risk factors, some of them, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of heart disease or stroke, may pose an even greater threat for women than for men. It’s also believed that estrogen protects against heart complications, but once estrogen levels drop during menopause, the risk of heart disease within women rises. And as women age they are more likely to have other conditions, such as diabetes, that can further increase risk and complicate a diagnosis.
Knowing your risk factors is the first step in prevention. For example, you can reduce your risk by having regular medical checkups and focusing on treatable risk factors like:
It’s also important to be aware of non-treatable risk factors like age, gender, race, and family history as they will play a role in determining an individual patient’s risk for heart disease and stroke. If you are unsure, speak to your health care practitioner about your risk factors, and possible lifestyle changes and regular screening options that can help lower your risk.
An exercise stress test and myocardial perfusion imaging are medical imaging tests that can evaluate heart function. For a detailed look at coronary arteries, your doctor might also order computed tomography imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging can be requested to look at the blood vessels in the brain and for signs of a stroke.
Please visit these links for more information on signs of a stroke and signs of a heart attack.
REFERENCES
American Heart Association. (2022) “Stroke Risk Factors.” www.strokeassociation.org. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre (2022) “What makes women different?” www.cwhhc.ottawaheart.ca. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Harvard Medical School (2022) “Don’t be fooled by TIA symptoms.” www.health.harvard.edu. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Heart and Stroke Foundation (2020) “A fighting chance: 2020 Spotlight on Women.” www.heartandstroke.ca. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Heart and Stroke Foundation (2022) “Emergency signs.” www.heartandstroke.ca. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Heart and Stroke Foundation (2022) “Signs of stroke.” www.heartandstroke.ca. Accessed January 29, 2022.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
