Women under-estimate risk from heart disease
Ischaemic heart disease kills nearly three times as many women as breast cancer in Scotland, yet a new survey for British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland has found women are more concerned about their risk of breast cancer (57%) than ischaemic heart disease (51%).
The survey of around 1,000 Scottish women, conducted by YouGov, comes as the charity publishes a new report, Bias and Biology, highlighting the urgent need to raise awareness of heart disease in women. It also raises the issue of gender inequalities, 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.
Every year, ischaemic heart disease, including heart attacks and angina, kills around 2,600 women in Scotland – that’s seven women every day. The common perception that heart disease affects men leads to women being less likely to recognise the 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 as a next step, to further ensure the issue is prioritised, raising awareness among women of the risks and symptoms and promoting equality of timely diagnosis and treatment within the healthcare system.
Professor Colin Berry, professor of Cardiology and Imaging, University of Glasgow and Golden Jubilee National Hospital Director of Research and Development, says: ‘At every stage – from the moment they experience symptoms through to their rehabilitation – women with heart disease can face disadvantages. This has to change.
‘We know that women often 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 to improve their recovery. It is incumbent on us all to work together to address these issues to help save and improve lives.’
BHF Scotland is calling for everyone to be more aware of the most common symptoms of a heart attack:
Central chest pain or discomfort in your chest that suddenly occurs and doesn’t go away. It may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing. For some people the pain or tightness is severe, while other people just feel uncomfortable. Pain similar to that of indigestion is also a common symptom.
Pain which radiates down your left, both arms, or to your neck, jaw, back or stomach.
Feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath.
Find out more about women’s heart health at bhf.org. uk/women