The numbers tell a sobering tale. After 15 years of research and education, more women are aware of the threat heart disease poses to their health and death rates from heart disease are declining in both men and women overall. But the decline has been slower in women, and among women over the age of 55, the death rate is increasing.
Gaps in survival rates will remain until research can better explain some of the issues and point to a better understanding of how heart disease affects women. Traditional risk factor scores underestimate the prevalence of heart disease in women and treatment protocols sometimes overlook the specific needs of women. Researchers say the relationship between heart disease and the psychological and social factors common in women’s lives require more study. Depression, anxiety, inadequate resources and stress are all linked to heart disease.
The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre is working to help women improve their own health and help researchers find some of these answers.
Reducing the risk factors before a woman has her first heart-related event can help to prevent or postpone more than a third of all deaths due to heart disease. Take action to prevent heart disease in yourself and those you love. Find out about the CardioPrevent program today.