#United States #Boston #Virtual Care #Systole Health #women's heart health

Systole Health: A New Era in Women's Heart Care

In an unprecedented move to enhance women's heart health, Systole Health has introduced a tech-enabled group virtual care solution, securing $2 million in pre-seed funding led by Benchstrength. This initiative addresses the pressing challenges of physician accessibility, particularly for women at risk of cardiovascular diseases, by offering enduring support through innovative group visits.

Addressing a Dire Need

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of mortality among women, yet conventional healthcare practices have often overlooked their unique health requirements. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of women have at least one heart disease risk factor, and about 45% are already diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions. Systole Health aims to close the gap in care through its engaging approach, which combines medical expertise with community support.

The service offers hour-long group appointments where women can meet with doctors and health coaches. This model encourages interaction among participants, allowing them to ask questions, share experiences, and receive personalized coaching in a supportive environment. In stark contrast, the average length of standard doctor visits stands at just 18 minutes, focusing primarily on medication rather than holistic health management.

Investor Confidence

Investors are recognizing the profound potential of Systole Health’s model. Ken Chenault Jr., Managing Partner at Benchstrength, remarked on Systole Health's unique approach to solving an unmet need within the healthcare sector. By leveraging technology, Systole Health strives to provide scalable solutions that maximize patient outcomes while addressing systemic gaps in healthcare delivery for women.

Founders' Vision

Systole Health was co-founded by Dr. Simin Gharib Lee, a Harvard-trained cardiologist, who brings her firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by women in managing their heart health, alongside Lauren McConnell, a digital health innovator. Dr. Lee emphasizes the company's mission: "Our goal is to transform the approach to heart health for women. We are creating an inclusive community where women can receive the specialized care they deserve, and which many are currently lacking."

Future Directions

Systole Health plans to utilize the newly acquired funding to expand its reach across the United States. The startup aims to build its clinical team and foster strategic partnerships with healthcare providers to further embed its services within existing healthcare networks. Currently, the program is being piloted with patients in Massachusetts and Florida, with ambitious goals to grow rapidly.

Dr. Lee mentions, "Through our model, we aim to harness the power of community, providing more robust support for our patients. This transformation is crucial for tackling the heart health crisis among women and ultimately improving their life quality."

In summary, Systole Health is on a mission to reshape the landscape of women's heart healthcare through innovative approaches that prioritize accessibility, personalized support, and community engagement. As they move forward with their expansion plans, the focus remains on delivering effective, compassionate care tailored specifically for women, paving the way for a healthier future.

For more information about Systole Health and to gain insights into their services, visit systolehealth.com.