WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE
Introduction
As a whole, cardiovascular disease, (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide - exceeding the number od deaths from all cancers combined. In the UK, cardiovascular disease was responsible for over (216,000) deaths in 2004. Despite this, CVD is still considered a disease of men - and its importance among women remains largely unrecognised.
Coronary Heart Disease remains the most common cuase of death with approximately one in six women www.bhf.org.uk in the UK dying from the disease. Death rates from heart disease are almost 4 times higher than that of breast cancer. Despite this, many women lack the basic awareness that heart disease is their biggest killer.
It is important that women attempt to modify their risk factors early in life in order to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Risk factors which can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease include: smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, and having a family history of heart disease. There is also an increased risk among post menopausal women.
Her at Heart
Her at Heart is a Scientific Initiative raising awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the general public on the under-recognition of cardiovascular disease in women. The initiative was launched at a Symposium on Cardiovascular Disease in Women held during July 2006.
More recently, in September 2007, a second symposium was held to bring together experts from the field to consider ways in which to improve management and care of women in prevention, diagnosis and management of women with cardiovascular disease. Led by Dr Ghada Milhail, Consultant Cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, this scientific initiative has already produced a range of materials for use in raising awareness. For more information please click on the
Her at Heart link below:
|
 DOCUMENTATION
In response to the issues highlighted above, the European Society of Cardiology have issued the following statement. Please click on the pdf link to view 
The British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have put together a working group for women's cardiovascular health. To view details of the working group please click on the PDF |
