New scientific statement raises awareness of heart disease risks for women

Recent evidence reveals the risks and challenges women face regarding heart disease, emphasising the urgent need to prioritise heart health among women

Heart disease, already the leading cause of death among women, is further amplified by gender-specific risk factors, as unveiled in the special Go Red for Women Spotlight issue.

Why is heart disease so prominent in women?

The new scientific statement highlights the link between complications during pregnancy and the heightened risk of heart disease and stroke later in life for women. High blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth significantly heighten the probability of cardiovascular complications in the future.

Dr. Jennifer Lewey, chair of the writing group for the scientific statement, emphasises the necessity of early intervention and tailored care for pregnant and postpartum women. She highlights the need for sufficient evidence for managing cardiovascular risks in this demographic, underscoring the importance of targeted measures.

Social determinants of health

Social determinants of health, such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, play a pivotal role in heightening these disparities, contributing to unequal access to care and poorer health outcomes.

The scientific statement further addresses gender-specific differences in heart disease, challenging long-standing misconceptions that have often sidelined women’s cardiovascular health. Dr. Nanette K. Wenger, a prominent figure in cardiology, underscores the need to recognise and address these disparities, calling attention to the misconception that cardiovascular symptoms in women are “atypical.”

Reducing the risk of heart disease in women

Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, a nationwide survey revealed significant gaps in healthcare providers’ preparedness to address cardiovascular disease risk in women.

This highlights the need for increased awareness, education, and training among healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate interventions for at-risk women.

The statement also highlights the importance of postpartum care in migrating long-term cardiovascular risks. Lifestyle interventions, including maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity, are vital in reducing the risk of heart disease among women, particularly in the postpartum period.

Medical therapies for heart failure

Other research articles that look into the same issue delve into differences in guideline-direct medical therapies for heart failure, the impact of perceived interpersonal racism on coronary heart disease, and the association between sleep disturbances and cardiovascular disease risk in women.

With February being American Heart Month, the scientific statement acts as a call to action, urging policymakers, healthcare providers and communities to prioritise women’s heart health.

Through increased awareness and equitable access to care, we can strive towards a future where heart disease no longer claims countless women’s lives.