Heart Disease Awareness Campaign Highlights Differences in Women’s Symptoms
A growing campaign is raising awareness about the unique ways heart disease can manifest in women, a critical distinction often overlooked in medical diagnosis, and treatment. Recognizing these differences is vital for improving outcomes, as heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women.
The “Tout le monde en rouge” (Everyone in Red) initiative, which translates to “Everyone in Red,” is drawing attention to the crisis of heart disease among women in Canada, according to a recent press release from Le Soleil.
Michelle Houde, a physician and content creator known as “La MD colorée” on TikTok, has been instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront. She recently explained to Salut Bonjour that heart attacks can present differently in women than in men.
Traditional symptoms like chest pain are common, but women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, and pain in the jaw, neck, or back. As Noovo Info reports, this difference in presentation can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Laval University are as well actively working to address cardiovascular health disparities in women. The Faculty of Nursing at the university is mobilizing to improve cardiovascular health for women, according to Université Laval.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial, as early detection and appropriate treatment are key to improving outcomes and reducing the impact of heart disease on women’s lives. This increased awareness aims to empower women to advocate for their health and seek timely medical attention when experiencing potential symptoms.
