Although women are much more aware of heart disease than they used to be, symptoms of heart disease are not taken as seriously as men’s.
This is according to a report published in the journal Circulation. The report looked at a national study of over 1,000 women – the aim was to assess awareness of cardiovascular disease risks.
In the USA nearly half a million women each year die from cardiovascular diseases.
In 1997 30% of women thought heart disease was the largest cause of female deaths – now 55% of women are aware of this. However, while 62% of white women are aware of the risks of heart disease for women, the number for black women is just 38% and 34% for Hispanic women.
More women die as a result of cardiovascular disease than the following put together: COPD, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes and Accidents.
What is the difference between cardiovascular disease and heart disease? They mean pretty much the same, however, cardiovascular disease includes ?stroke’.
Many women believe their health lie in the hands of destiny (or God), a large number think they are not at risk. Many women also say they simply do not have the time to think about it and seek treatment.
As women are getting fatter, so is their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that the women who were most aware of the heart disease risks were also the ones most likely to do something about it.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today