Redefining Heart Health and Heart Health Systems
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, with a woman dying every 16 minutes in Canada.
The Numbers you Need to Know
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40%
Nearly 40% of Canadians are unaware of the significant impact of heart disease in women.
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16
Heart disease claims the life of 1 woman every 16 minutes in Canada.
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#1
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and premature death in women.
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2/3
In Canada, nearly 2/3 of heart disease and stroke clinical research has focused on men.
Unseen and Unheard: The Women’s Heart Health Crisis
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and premature death in women, more than all cancers combined. Yet, the public remains unaware of these devastating statistics. Furthermore, women with heart disease face systemic inequities as they navigate the healthcare system.
Compared to men in Alberta, women wait longer to be evaluated in acute care settings and are less likely to undergo diagnostic procedures or to receive the necessary therapies. The consequences of women with cardiovascular disease are enormous and represent one of the most common causes of disability-adjusted life-years lost.
Why Women’s Heart Health is Overlooked: The Gaps in Research and Care
The underrepresentation of women in heart research has resulted in delays in discovery and effective translation into clinical practice. Data is now emerging to show that certain CVD risk factors are female-specific and impact women differently or disproportionately. Additionally, some heart conditions are more prevalent and associated with worse outcomes in women. CVD in women remains understudied, under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.
Initiative Pillars
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Clinical care
Multi-disciplinary clinical care using a team based approach across a range of CV expertise and interdisciplinary partnerships.
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Education
Establish Women’s CV Heart Fellowship Program with a range of multi-level educational programs, scholarships and awards.
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Research
Leverage existing opportunities to create new research programs and integrate with Libin Precision Medicine PULSE Program.
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Community Outreach
Ambassador/Leadership programs, public lecture series, women’s heart health checks, high-risk communities.