Leading cardiologists warn that sexist attitudes are causing unnecessary deaths among women from heart attacks.
Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death for British women, many academics contend that it is often perceived as a “man’s disease.” Currently, over 3.6 million women in the UK suffer from heart disease, yet they are frequently “underdiagnosed and undertreated.” Specialists point out that insufficient numbers of women participate in clinical trials, and they often do not receive the same access to lifesaving treatments as men.
Additionally, doctors tend to overlook symptoms like high blood pressure in women. A report published in the journal Heart by a group of heart experts calls on the NHS to enhance cardiac care for women. They emphasise the need for better education for GPs and healthcare providers to convey that “heart disease does not discriminate by sex,” and advocate for more research into how factors such as menopause can impact heart disease risk. The report also underscores that women with known risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, often do not receive timely treatment compared to their male counterparts.
Professor Vijay Kunadian from Newcastle University, the lead author of the report, stated, “There is a common assumption that heart disease is a men’s issue—when a man presents with symptoms, he is more likely to receive immediate attention from paramedics and doctors. We need to shift this perspective to recognise that heart disease also affects women.”
In response, a Department of Health spokesperson indicated that the new government is prioritising women’s health.
