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Heart disease is the number one killer in women over 35. Now a new Women’s Heart Health Centre in Ottawa plans to attack that statistic, arming women with the knowledge they need to stay alive. The centre is the first of its kind in Canada.
“The landscape of women and heart disease has evolved greatly over the years, but efforts still need to be made in addressing the lack of public and professional awareness of women’s coronary risk,” said Dr. Michele Turek, Medical Advisor for the Canadian Women Heart Health Centre. “We must address this important challenge and correct misperceptions concerning the incidence, prevalence, and significance of cardiovascular disease.”
According to the Heart Institute, most of what medical experts know about heart disease is based on research with men as the subjects. But knowing how women experience the disease could change the way women are treated, which would in turn improve survival rates.
Men and women experience heart disease very differently. Research has shown that while cardiovascular disease is declining among men, it’s rising among women.
“The University of Ottawa Heart Institute has been pioneering practical prevention programs that have contributed to improving the health of many Canadians,” said Dr. Thierry Mesana, President and CEO of the Ottawa Heart Institute. “Our team is now committed to keeping our mothers, wives, and daughters in good health, and with strong, caring hearts.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
