Women experience heart disease differently and still suffer from inequality and inequity in relation to cardiovascular health

When we wear red on February 13, we raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular health and the long road ahead to address disparities between women’s and men’s heart disease and stroke research. Women experience heart disease differently due to several factors such as the parts of the heart that get affected, hormonal changes, effectiveness of diagnosis, and treatment practices after a heart attack. This reflects on the medical care women need and brings to the fore the sex and gender gap in cardiovascular health.

Two-thirds of all heart disease and stroke clinical research has focused on men.

In a time when we have made great achievements in women’s rights, we still face the heartrending reality that women still suffer from inequality and inequity in relation to cardiovascular health. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC), “two-thirds of all heart disease and stroke clinical research has focused on men.”

Heart disease and stroke continue to be the leading cause of preventable death in women in Canada.

Unfortunately, this research gap extends to diagnosis and treatment which threatens women’s health overall and heart health in particular. Heart disease and stroke continue to be the leading cause of premature, preventable death in women in Canada.

Half of the women who experience a heart attack have their symptoms go unrecognized.

There is a lot to be done to spread awareness and take action. Educating ourselves is a great start. Half of the women who experience a heart attack have their symptoms go unrecognized and this is why we need to learn about the signs, especially those specific to women, risk factors, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors

There are risk factors that we have no control over such as age, race, medical history, pregnancy, menopause and hormonal changes. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your risks. Other risk factors are considered controllable and include smoking, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. Leading a healthier lifestyle can help lower many of these risk factors.

Signs

The signs of a heart attack for women are not as evident as those in men. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911: chest discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, upper body discomfort, and light-headedness.

The below signs of a stroke are an emergency that requires calling 911. Do not drive to the hospital: drooping face, inability to raise both arms, and slurred or jumbled speech.

Some of the differences between women’s and men’s heart attack symptoms.