Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women—claiming more lives than all cancers combined—yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. On a recent episode of Women Leaders on the Move, host Natalie Benamou sat down with Dr. Simin Lee, board-certified cardiologist and CEO of Systole Health, to discuss how she is changing the way women experience cardiac care.

Dr. Lee’s work is centered on one critical truth: the traditional healthcare system is not enough. Women are waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment, often dismissed when they report symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Through her innovative approach, group care, she is creating a more accessible, supportive, and effective way for women to take control of their heart health.

Why Women Need a New Heart Care Model

Too often, women’s symptoms of heart disease—such as high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and fatigue—are minimized or misattributed to anxiety or stress. Dr. Lee shared how her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how dire the situation had become.

"I’ll never forget seeing the first women patients return to my clinic after COVID. They had gained weight, they looked different, and they were struggling with heart failure and other serious conditions that could have been prevented. It was heartbreaking to see how difficult it was for them to access care.” – Dr. Simin Lee

She emphasized that delayed diagnosis and treatment aren’t just unfortunate—they’re life-threatening. Women need a system that allows for earlier intervention, faster diagnosis, and ongoing support, which is exactly what Systole Health is designed to provide.

The Power of Group Care

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Dr. Lee’s work is group medical visits, a model that allows women to receive care in a shared setting while benefiting from the collective knowledge and support of their peers.

There just aren’t enough cardiologists to go around. Half of the U.S. population lives in a county with poor access to cardiac care. Group visits allow us to expand our reach, give women more time with their doctor, and create a network of support.” – Dr. Simin Lee

This innovative model not only improves access to expert medical care but also fosters community, education, and accountability, helping women take charge of their health in a way that traditional one-on-one visits often fail to achieve.

Dr. Lee’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Healthcare

Building Systole Health required more than just medical expertise—it took entrepreneurial courage. Dr. Lee recognized that in order to truly scale and sustain her work, she needed to step outside the traditional healthcare system and create a business that could support this new care model.

Women-led startups receive only 2% of all venture funding, but we knew we had to push forward. We were lucky to find investors who believed in our vision, and now, we’re on a mission to scale this model so more women can access life-saving care.” – Dr. Simin Lee

Her journey underscores the importance of innovation in women’s healthcare—and how essential it is to invest in solutions that prioritize women’s unique health needs.

Taking Action for Better Heart Health

Host Natalie Benamou shared her own experience as a Systole Health patient, highlighting how the program helped her finally receive proper care for high blood pressure after being dismissed by multiple doctors.

“I was told my blood pressure was ‘just stress’—even when it was dangerously high. But through Systole Health, I learned the right questions to ask, got the right diagnosis, and today my blood pressure is lower than it’s been in a long time.” – Natalie Benamou

Women cannot afford to wait for the system to catch up. Heart disease is preventable, but only with the right education, tools, and care.

Watch the Full Conversation & Take the Next Step

📺 Watch Heart Care is the New Self Care Panel with Dr. Simin Lee: YouTube Replay Event
💗 Take charge of your heart health today. Visit:

🔹 Systole Health to learn more about Dr. Lee’s innovative care model
🔹 HER HEALTHX to discover resources that help women advocate for better healthcare

Your health is your power. Don’t wait—take action today! We host a women’s health forum in HerCsuite® for members. Join Women on the Move

 

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About Dr. Lee, Simin Gharib Lee, MD, MBA, Co-Founder & CEO Systole Health

Dr. Simin Gharib Lee is a board-certified cardiologist and behavioral scientist trained at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. In her experience as a physician, she has cared for many patients with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions who yearn for comprehensive medical treatment that incorporates the power of social connection. In her free time, she runs marathons and enjoys every free minute with her husband and two sons. She holds a BA, MD, and MBA from Harvard University.

Connect with Dr. Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/systolehealth/
Website: www.systolehealth.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@systolemd

 

About Natalie Benamou and HerCsuite®
Natalie Benamou is the host of Women Leaders on the Move, a top 25 Women’s Leadership podcast by Feedspot. She is also the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful network that advances women in the second half of their careers. HerCsuite® provides membership programs, board retreats, and masterminds designed to help women achieve their leadership goals.

Natalie is also the President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.

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This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Women On the Move, a new membership for listeners to meet and engage with podcast guests. Advance your career in a whole new way.