Report spotlights women’s burden of cardiovascular disease
The Lancet publishes the first such global analysis, which calls for greater effort to reduce heart disease, stroke and other conditions in women.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death among women, responsible for 35% of female deaths per year. Cardiovascular disease mortality is increasing in young women.
In the first-ever global report on this condition in women, researchers call for urgent action to improve care and prevention, fill knowledge gaps, and increase awareness. The report was published today in The Lancet.
Its authors are 17 female clinicians and researchers from 11 countries; one is Dr. Jeanne E. Poole, a professor of medicine (cardiology) at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
"We face the same problems as men, in terms of coronary artery disease, but the disease is often unrecognized in women," Poole said. "There are global and regional disparities in care. Making headway will be a long-term effort, but women supporting other women will change understanding and awareness. Women everywhere can be part of the solution."
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