A new report from the Heart & Stroke foundation indicated that women are more at risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. This is due to an imbalance in the way women are medically treated and diagnosed. The report also states the lack of awareness and knowledge of the female body within the medical field, suggesting that a women with multiple symptoms related to the heart, would not be easily treated. The symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are also less obvious in women than men. According to the Heart & Stroke foundation, women have a much harder time recovering from a stroke. Patrice Lindsay, the director of health systems for the foundation, stated that women are less likely to fully recover. Additionally, she stated that many women have jobs without proper health benefits and feel pressure to take care of the household, children and grandparents, thus delaying their recovery.
“Our vision is to live in a world where all women receive the care they need when it comes to their heart and brain health. This starts by making significant investments in research that will drive health systems change and have tangible impact for women,” says Doug Roth, CEO of the Heart & Stroke foundation. Doug futher explained that changes are being implemented in hopes of getting more women properly diagnosed and treated. “Heart & Stroke is excited to be working in partnership with CIHR-IGH. And Canadian heart and brain researchers to transform the health system for women. We believe that care for women’s heart and brain health should be sex- and gender-appropriate, equitable, culturally relevant and safe.”
Women’s health are under researched, under funded and misdiagnosed at a much higher rate than men. In order for them to be helped, this will require an abundant amount of research. More women will need to participate in clinical trials, so they can be treated more accurately.
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Theresa says
Amazing article! Definitely gives me something to think about.