Last month we reported that women entering ICU with cardiac arrest have a greater chance of dying than men. Further research reveals that women are more likely than men to suffer a subsequent heart attack.
In REDFEB heart awareness month, the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of heart disease in women is the focus.
Dr Monique Watts, a heart failure cardiologist and specialist in women’s heart disease who works at the Epworth and Alfred hospitals in Melbourne, says: “We’ve found over recent years that women are doing worse after their heart attacks.
“They’re more likely to have another heart attack, and more likely to die or have heart failure than men within the five years following their heart attack.”
Nicci Dent, CEO of Heart Research Australia (HRA), says there are several contributing factors to the poorer outcomes experienced by women. And one might actually be a trait which in most circumstances would be seen as an advantage – stoicism.
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Ms Dent says: “Time is critical when it comes to heart disease and a huge issue with women is the delay to treatment.
“Women go to hospital later after symptoms start, which reduces the window of opportunity for effective treatment and increases the risk of complications and damage to their heart.”
Another misconception that needs to be addressed, says Ms Dent, is that the risk of heart attack for women is lower than that for men.
“One big problem is the myth that women aren’t at risk. Traditionally, heart disease has been viewed as a bloke’s disease, but globally, heart disease is the number one killer of women.”
Alarmingly, there appears to be a difference in how medical professionals handle heart issues depending on the gender of the patient.
Research in the US found: “Men were 20 per cent more likely to be prescribed statins than women.
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“On the other hand, women were 27 per cent more likely to be advised to lose weight, 38 per cent more likely to be told to exercise, 27 per cent more likely to be instructed to reduce their salt intake and 11 per cent more likely to be told to reduce their fat or calorie consumption.”
In line with HRA’s decision to highlight females at risk this REDFEB, it has issued a set of expert tips for women:
- Find a good GP who is willing to listen to your concerns and include cardiovascular health as part of a preventative health plan, just like skins checks or pap smears. Cholesterol and blood pressure should be assessed and managed.
- Share your obstetric history with your GP, especially if you have had pre-eclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes or pre-mature delivery.
- Understand that inflammatory conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can put you at higher risk.
- Peri menopause and menopause are times where oestrogen levels fall. That brings about changes in the body that increase the risk of heart disease. Menopause is a good time to talk to your GP about your risk of heart disease and how it can be minimised.
- Focus on overall general health such as exercise, eating health, stopping smoking and weight management, but also understand that non-modifiable factors and genetics also come into play.Don’t put off speaking to a GP about your risk because you are worried about being judged.
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REDFEB has been so named by the HRA as part of its awareness-raising campaign: “This February, Heart Research Australia invites all Australians to wear red for someone close to their heart to help keep families together for longer.”
Further information, including how to donate to Heart Research Australia, can be found on the HRA website.
Are you a woman who has experienced heart issues? How do you feel you were treated by medical professionals? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?