Track 29: Women's Cardiovascular Health

Introduction:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide, often surpassing the combined impact of all cancers. Despite this, it is frequently under-recognized and underdiagnosed in women due to differences in symptoms, biological factors, and gaps in awareness among both patients and healthcare providers. Addressing cardiovascular health in women is crucial—not only to save lives but also to improve quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. This topic aims to shed light on the unique challenges and critical strategies for improving heart health in women.

Keynote Points:

1. Prevalence & Impact:

   • Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women globally.

   • Women are more likely than men to die following a heart attack.

2. Unique Risk Factors in Women:

   • Pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes).

   • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).

   • Menopause and hormonal changes.

3. Gender Differences in Symptoms:

   • Women may experience atypical symptoms like nausea, fatigue, jaw pain, or shortness of breath rather than chest pain.

   • These subtle symptoms often lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

4. Diagnostic and Treatment Gaps:

   • Women are less likely to receive aggressive diagnosis and treatment compared to men.

   • There's a need for more gender-specific research and clinical guidelines.