The No. 1 killer is invisible to most women

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/aha-tn1103015.php

Public Release: 8-Nov-2015
The No. 1 killer is invisible to most women
American Heart Association Meeting Report Abstract 14230 (Poster S2102) Hall A2
American Heart Association

Even though heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., most women say they don't have a personal connection to cardiovascular disease, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.

A 2014 nationally representative survey of 1,011 adult women found that those who know another woman with heart disease are 25 percent more likely to be concerned about it for themselves and 19 percent more likely to bring up heart health with their doctors. The survey was developed and conducted by the Women's Heart Alliance.

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In addition, the survey found that healthcare providers more often focused on a woman's weight rather than other cardiovascular disease risk factors, compared to men who were more likely to be told their cholesterol or blood pressure is too high by their doctors.

"We are stalled on women's awareness of heart disease, partly because women say they put off going to the doctor until they've lost a few pounds. This is clearly a gendered issue," Bairey Merz said.

The survey underscores the disconnect most women experience between the widespread nature of women's heart disease and their personal perceptions.

One in three women die from heart disease and stroke in the U.S. every year. Although heart disease and stroke death rates among men have dropped steadily over the last 25 years, women's rates have fallen at a much slower rate.

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