Article posted on March 1, 2025
Women's Heart Health
International Women’s Day is March 8!
We are celebrating women by focusing on women’s heart health.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing states:
“The Heart & Stroke Foundation 2018 Heart Report: Ms. Understood, brought the issue of lack of research, diagnoses, treatment, support, and awareness regarding women and heart disease to the fore for many Canadians.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, accounting for more than 17.3 million deaths each year. There is growing evidence to suggest CVD is beginning to rise in certain populations, including younger and female populations. This paper explores CVD risk in women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a rare and lifelong condition that is characterized by a range of autosomal recessive inherited enzyme deficiencies that impact cortisol biosynthesis pathways.”
The Heart and Stroke Foundation Heart Report titled “Ms. Understood” released in 2018 highlights the importance of increasing awareness of women’s heart health.
How familiar are you with women’s heart health?
Women need to be aware that they can have a Heart Attack yet continue to do things such as walk, talk, and even work.
The Heart & Stroke article emphasizes that:
- Every 20 minutes a woman in Canada dies from Heart Disease
- Early Heart Attack signs were missed in 78% of women
- Women are 5x more likely to die from Heart Disease than Breast Cancer
- Heart Disease is the leading cause of premature death for women in Canada
- Close to 25,000 women die each year from Heart Disease
Be Familiar with the Signs of Heart Attack
Signs can include the following:
- Chest Discomfort: pressure, squeezing, burning, heaviness, fullness or pain
- Upper Body Discomfort- neck, jaw, shoulder arms, back
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Light Headedness
- Shortness of Breath
To see more women’s stories and learn more about women’s heart health click here.
References
Canadian Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing Volume 30, Issue 1, Spring 2020. Retrieved from: https://cccn.ca/_uploads/626eeebc765bf.pdf
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Heart Report Ms. Understood. Retrieved from: http://www.heartandstroke.ca/-/media/pdf-files/canada/2018-heart-month/hs_2018-heart-report_en.ashx
Last Updated: Saturday, March 01, 2025