It’s time for a heart-to-heart about women’s cardiovascular health, unique risk factors and symptoms
Cardiovascular disease — also called heart disease — is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
- Cardiovascular disease — also called heart disease — is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
- In fact, a women dies of heart disease every 20 minutes in Canada.
- Although cardiovascular disease is often considered a disease of men, women are more likely to die from a heart attack when compared with men.
Women’s hearts are different
- From the outside, women’s hearts may look the same as men’s, but there are important differences.
- Specifically, women experience unique events over the course of their lifespan which may impact their cardiovascular health.
- Pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, can also play a role in cardiovascular health.
Heart attack symptoms
- Early heart attack symptoms are missed in up to 78 per cent of women, in part related to the fact that women may present with different symptoms than men.
- An awareness of the differences in heart attack symptoms may lead to improved recognition and timely care for women.
Reducing heart risks
- There are many steps that you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Living free from commercial tobacco and vaping, reducing alcohol intake and managing stress are also key ways to reduce your risk.
Wear red and learn more
- On Feb. 13, we invite you to celebrate Wear Red Canada to raise awareness for women’s cardiovascular health, hosted by the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance and the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre.
- Attend free presentations and webinars by Canadian experts, join the Wear Red Canada Movement Challenge and take part in local events.
Nabilah Gulamhusein has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s. Sandi Dumanski receives funding from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and the Kidney Foundation.