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Woman of the Year Nominee: Elizabeth Ofili, M.D.
Think men and women are equal? Not when it comes to the heart, says Elizabeth Ofili, chief of cardiology at Morehouse School of Medicine.
by Annabelle Robertson
September 1, 2005
O
fili has a passion for understanding the difference between men, women and minorities -
not only their risk factors and cardiac symptoms, but also the dramatically different ways that
cardiologists respond to these groups. In between teaching, training and running the cardiology
department, Ofili works closely with physicians to help them improve the care of women and minority
patients. She is also studying the role of genetics in high blood pressure.
Are cardiology patients really treated differently, according to their gender or ethnic
groups?
Yes. In a recent study, women and minority actors went to physicians and presented with the
exact same chest pains, as if they were having a heart attack. They all had the same
characteristics, with the exception of sex and race, but less than one quarter of the women were
referred to a cardiologist, whereas more than 60 percent of the white men were referred.
Is that disparity changing?
A big part of closing the treatment gap is getting the word out to women and minorities
about what they can do with the information we currently know. You don't have to know much; you
just have to raise questions. Women and minorities can be advocates for their own health.
What are the risk factors for women, and how do they differ from men?
Women should be aware of four factors: 1) Problems with sugar, either diabetes or
pre-diabetes; 2) Obesity - specifically, a waist circumference of more than 35 inches, because fat
distributed around the waist is more lethal; 3) Blood pressure over 140; and 4) Any cholesterol
abnormality. A woman who has three out of the four of these risk factors is far more likely to have
a cardiovascular event, but the risk for a woman with diabetes alone is still four times higher
than that of a man. Diabetes wreaks tremendous havoc in women.
What is your advice to menopausal or postmenopausal women who want to lose weight?
First, go in and get a check-up that includes an EKG, blood pressure, a waist measurement
and a blood test that determines cholesterol and blood sugar analysis, which requires a prior fast.
I would also recommend a stress test if a woman intends to take up vigorous activity - and you're
not going to lose weight if you do not. But just because you pass the stress test doesn't mean your
arteries are clean. It tells you that you're not likely to fall over and die in the next few
months. However, if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high, you can still die from sudden,
vigorous exercise. Something can kick in anytime and cause the lining of an artery to rupture, even
if your blockage is just 40 percent or 50 percent. What's most important is how long you sustain
that exercise. Someone who walks for an hour burns more calories than someone who runs for 15
minutes, which is also more dangerous.
What about diets?
This idea that people can eat whatever they want in any shape or form and not pay the price
is ridiculous. Atkins is not sustainable for most people, and we have no idea what eating a diet so
high in protein will do to our functions, although we do know it causes kidney damage. I urge
people to do more moderate diets, like Weight Watchers.
How did a little girl from Nigeria decide to become a doctor?
My mother, who was a nurse, was a big inspiration. I was also good at the sciences, so my
father, who worked as a librarian at the U.S. Embassy, encouraged me to think about medicine. I
wouldn't have done a lot of what I did without them.
What is your secret to combining career and family?
For me, it's been to think about my success through the eyes of my children. That makes me
try, as much as possible, to meet their needs. It also makes me see my failures. I look at my
children and I know that no matter what, I'm successful.
What is your favorite quote?
A Nigerian proverb, drilled into my head as a child by my momma: "Providence carries a woman
over a ditch if she jumps well."
What is your guiding light?
My family and my faith. I've always believed that if we have faith in God, He will guide our
abilities. I know that God has a purpose for my life, so I tend not to get heavily disappointed.
Also, a big part about what helps keep my stability is my family's support.
What is one of your greatest strengths?
My discipline and tenacity. I never give up.
Elizabeth Ofili, M.D.
Associate Dean of Clinical Research
Professor of Medicine and Director, Clinical Research Center
Chief, Section of Cardiology, Morehouse School of Medicine
Age: 45
Birthplace: Kano, Nigeria
Family: Husband Chamberlain Obialo (21 years) and children Tim, 20; Sharon, 18; Chris, 16; and Felicia, 14
Hobbies: Reading, travel, jazz
