Only half of women say they recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, while 28% have never had a heart health check
When you think of diseases that affect women, do you immediately think of breast cancer?
Apparently, a lot of us do.
In fact, new research from the national Ipsos survey has revealed a massive 70% of the public believe females are more likely to contract breast cancer than both heart disease and stroke – despite statistics showing they are six times more likely to die from both conditions.
The survey was commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation for its ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign, running throughout September and the results are a cause for concern.
Changing attitudes
“The perception is quite different to the reality that one in four women dies from heart disease and stroke,” said Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation.
“Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than they are from breast cancer so a significant gap in awareness of the symptoms has opened up.”
The campaign is being supported by broadcaster Maura Derrane, who said: “One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke, the same as men. But women often neglect their own heart health. They are caught up taking care of others, their children and their partners.”
“I want to get the message to all women, that they need to listen to their bodies. Know the symptoms, which are often different from men’s. If you are not feeling right, don’t ignore it. Go to your doctor and talk about your heart health.”
Know the signs
In the survey, when women were asked if they recognised the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, just 50% said they did. 23% did not and 27% neither agreed nor disagreed.
The 50% figure compares to 64% of women who said they recognise breast cancer symptoms. The Ipsos poll also showed that 41% of women have spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart health within the last year – but 28% have never done so.
“We are encouraging all women, but especially those in their mid-50s and beyond, to have their heart health checked, particularly if they experience chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness or extreme fatigue – please don’t put it on the long finger,” said Dr Brown.
“Society as a whole needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease; it is still not seen as a disease that affects women to the degree that it does.
“Women need to seek help earlier if they have any suspicion something might be wrong, advocate for themselves, recognise the signs and potentially save their own lives.”
Small steps
Sarah O’Brien, HSE, Healthy Eating & Active Living Programme, Health & Wellbeing, said regular physical activity, quitting smoking, eating healthier and limiting alcohol use are among the crucial steps in helping to prevent up to 80% of premature cardiovascular disease and stroke cases.
“Small steps now can result in substantial health benefits in the future,” she said.
For more information and practical tips, visit irishheart.ie/herheartmatters.
