Many people are surprised to learn that more women die each year from cardiovascular disease than from all kinds of cancer combined. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 3 women’s deaths are due to cardiovascular disease – which equals nearly one woman every minute.
The studies that have set the standard protocols in cardiology for decades were, for the most part, based on studies conducted with male patients – so unique symptoms experienced by women went unrecognized. Increasingly, physicians and researchers recognize the importance of studying women’s hearts and not simply assuming they work exactly like a man’s heart. Now that researchers know the unique aspects of cardiovascular disease in women, they can help women be more educated about their risks and recognize concerning symptoms.
This research has focused national attention on increasing awareness of women’s heart and vascular disease so women can better care for their hearts and understand their own risks. The American Heart Association started the Go Red For Women program to grow awareness and help educate communities on women’s heart health.
There are also some specific cardiovascular diseases with a significantly higher prevalence in women. These include:
- Coronary artery vasospasm
- Microvascular angina
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (often called Broken Heart Syndrome)
Riverside recognizes these unique aspects of women’s cardiovascular care and has established the Riverside Women’s Heart Center to bring these services to the women of our communities.