Care ‘bias’ sees women die needlessly of heart attacks

SCOTS women are dying unnecessarily every day because they do not receive the same treatment as men, a charity has claimed.

Stark inequalities in awareness, diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks contributed to an estimated 2,600-plus women dying – around seven per day – in Scotland every year, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said.

The survey of around 1,000 Scottish women, conducted by YouGov, comes as the charity publishes a new report ‘Bias and Biology’ today, highlighting the urgent need to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

The survey found that 57 per cent of Scots women fear developing breast cancer compared with 51 per cent fearing ischaemic heart disease – which kills nearly three times as many women.

It also raises the issue of inequality between the sexes, showing that too many women are dying needlessly or recovering poorly from a heart attack because they may not receive the same treatment and care as men.

There are around 100,000 women in Scotland who are living with ischaemic heart disease, but the charity claims too many are not aware that they are at risk.

The common perception that heart disease mostly affects men leads to women being less likely to recognise symptoms of a heart attack and more likely to delay seeking help, which can cost lives.

The Scottish Government has recently announced its commitment to a Women’s Health Plan which will include action to address inequalities for women with heart disease – a move BHF Scotland has welcomed.

The charity believes the appointment of a women’s heart champion for Scotland should be considered to further ensure the issue is prioritised, raising awareness of the risks and symptoms and promoting equality of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Professor of cardiology and imaging at University of Glasgow and Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Colin Berry, said: ‘From the moment they experience symptoms through to their rehabilitation – women with heart disease can face disadvantages.

‘We know women wait longer before calling 999 after first experiencing heart attack symptoms. But that delay can dramatically reduce the chance of survival.

‘Women may be less likely to receive a timely diagnosis and, even after the event, women are less likely to be offered cardiac rehabilitation.’

When someone has a heart attack, a protein called troponin is released into the blood stream by damaged heart cells.

However, women can release lower levels of troponin, leading to some patients not being diagnosed with a heart attack.

BHF-funded researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed an even more sensitive troponin test, which is helping to diagnose more heart attacks, particularly in women.

Kylie Strachan, BHF Scotland’s policy and public affairs manager, said: ‘The Scottish Government’s commitment to a Women’s Health Plan is an important first step and a welcome one.

‘This work could be accelerated with the appointment of a women’s heart champion and we look forward to working collaboratively to help ensure more women’s lives are saved, and women make a better recovery from heart disease.’

Chief medical officer for Scotland Dr Catherine Calderwood said: ‘The Scottish Government is aware that improvements in health care need to recognise the specific needs of women with heart disease.’

‘Less likely to get timely diagnosis’