Women often experience delays in getting diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, which can lead to worse outcomes or even death. A new report in the European Heart Journal highlights the need for specialized women’s heart centers across Europe to tackle this issue.
This report condenses findings from recent research on women’s heart health and suggests ways to enhance diagnosis and care. International experts, including Dr. Julia Grapsa, contributed to the consensus statement. Dr. Grapsa has a strong background in cardiovascular imaging and believes urgent action is necessary.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Many women’s symptoms are overlooked, and they often do not receive adequate treatment or representation in clinical trials. Unique factors such as pregnancy complications and autoimmune diseases can also contribute to misdiagnosis. We need to close these gaps for better care,” says Dr. Grapsa.
Evidence from existing women’s heart centers in North America and parts of Europe indicates they make a difference. For instance, a center in Canada diagnosed over 70% of women with unexplained cardiac symptoms, significantly lowering hospital admissions over three years.
The report advocates for women’s heart centers to serve as focal points within current cardiovascular facilities, offering specialized diagnostics and expert consultations. While most women will still access care from their family doctors or general cardiology clinics, those with specific conditions like heart attacks or unexplained angina should be referred to these centers.
Additionally, these centers would provide essential care for pregnant women facing cardiovascular issues. They aim to fill a noticeable gap where current medical understanding is insufficient, particularly regarding women’s unique health challenges.
Importantly, the report emphasizes that while specialized centers are vital, all cardiologists must understand women’s cardiovascular health better. Changes to medical training are crucial to achieving this. Ongoing audits of these centers will help demonstrate their effectiveness and secure future funding.
Dr. Martha Gulati, from the Davis Women’s Heart Center in the U.S., expressed optimism about the impact of this initiative. “This framework sets the stage for creating women’s heart centers in various European healthcare systems, detailing patient referral processes and necessary training for healthcare professionals,” she notes.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Maria Rubini Gimenez from the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research emphasizes that this initiative should lead to tailored healthcare for women. “For too long, medical practices have followed a male-centered model. It’s time to change that,” she states.
As an emerging area in healthcare, women’s cardiovascular health needs more research. The establishment of dedicated centers could pave the way for advancements in diagnosis and treatment, ultimately ensuring better care for women moving forward.
For more information, you can refer to the European Society of Cardiology and the related paper published in the European Heart Journal.
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Heart, Angina, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Healthcare, Heart Disease, Imaging, Menopause, Research, Women's Health
