Heart disease is often thought of as a men’s health issue, but it is the leading cause of premature death in Canadian women. Despite this, women’s heart health remains under-researched, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. Understanding the unique risks, symptoms, and barriers to care can help save lives.

Heart Disease in Women: The Facts

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Canada.
• According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, women in Canada are five times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer.
• Two-thirds of heart disease clinical research focuses on men, meaning women’s symptoms and treatment needs are often overlooked.

The Silent Threat: Why Women Are at Greater Risk

Many women don’t recognize the warning signs of heart disease or a heart attack because symptoms can differ from those commonly seen in men. While men typically experience crushing chest pain, women’s symptoms can be more subtle.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women

Women may experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Chest discomfort (rather than sharp pain)

Because these symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety, stress, or even indigestion, women may delay seeking treatment, increasing the risk of severe complications.

The Gender Gap in Cardiac Care

Despite having higher mortality rates from heart disease, women are less likely to receive appropriate care. Studies show that women are:

• Less likely to be referred for testing when experiencing symptoms.
• Less likely to receive life-saving treatments like bypass surgery or stents.
• More likely to experience delays in treatment when suffering a heart attack.

These disparities highlight the urgent need for more awareness and gender-specific research in cardiology.

How Women Can Protect Their Heart Health

While genetics play a role in heart disease, lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risk. Here are key steps women can take:

1. Know the symptoms – Be aware of heart attack warning signs and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.
2. Advocate for your health – If you feel something isn’t right, push for further testing and a second opinion if necessary.
3. Stay active – Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
4. Eat heart-healthy foods – Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limit processed sugars.
5. Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease, so find ways to manage stress through mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies.
6. Get regular check-ups – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, which are key risk factors for heart disease.

The Role of AEDs in Women’s Heart Health

Since women are less likely to be diagnosed and treated early for heart disease, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious concern. In Canada, more than 35,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year. Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) readily available in public spaces, workplaces, and homes can make the difference between life and death. Early CPR and defibrillation within the first few minutes can increase survival rates by up to 75%.

Supporting Women’s Heart Health Year-Round

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this March, it’s a crucial time to highlight the importance of heart health for women. Raising awareness, advocating for gender-inclusive research, and ensuring access to life-saving tools like AEDs can help close the gap in cardiac care.

Protect the women in your life. Learn more about heart health and equip your space with an AED at aedsolutions.ca.