Women and Heart Disease

Why aren't women getting equal treatment?

The problem is, despite the statistics, many people and more disturbingly, many doctors are not aware of just how serious heart disease in women is, even though more women die of cardiovascular problems than men each year.

As a result women receive less preventative and diagnostic treatment than men do, leading to further heart disease that might have been avoided if properly diagnosed.

Following are some of the highlights, or should we say lowlights, from the research:

1. Only 1/3 of women who have a high risk of heart disease are actually getting cholesterol-lowering medications.

2. Many women who would benefit from cardiac screening tests are just not getting them.

3. Gynecologists surveyed reported that they provide primary care to two-thirds of their patients, yet they admitted not being very effective in helping patients prevent cardiovascular disease and manage risk factors.

The bottom line here is that all doctors need to be informed about the risk of heart disease in women as well as men, and learn to recognize as well as prevent and treat the onset of heart problems in their female patients.

How can you help the situation?

Learn more about heart disease, the risk factors, the symptoms, and try to change your lifestyle to incorporate dietary and exercise recommendations.

Also, make sure your doctor is aware of just how serious heart disease is, and ask that he or she performs all of the necessary cardiovascular diagnostic tests.

Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if your doctor doesn't recognize the risks, or offer you the care you are entitled to.

For more information about maintaining a healthy heart, visit Healthy Heart Guide and learn about the Top 5 Ways to lower your risk of heart disease.