Women and heart disease
Heart disease in women has been described as under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated despite the fact that it is a leading cause of death in Australian women.
For over ten years the Heart Foundation has championed a program to raise women’s awareness of heart disease and work with health professionals to improve heart health outcomes for women.
Health professional forum
Watch the recording from our 2019 Women and Heart Disease forum. The forum bought together experts in the field aswell as women directly impacted by heart disease.
Topics discussed included:
- Heart disease in women – what does it look like and how is it different?
- Who are the populations of women at risk?
- Vascular conditions of pregnancy and their impact on heart health of mother & child
- Psychosocial issues and their impact on women’s heart health
Reports and Statements
- Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Cardiovascular Disease in Women [2019]
- Women and heart disease: Cardiovascular profile of women in Australia [2010]
- Women and Heart Disease forum report [2011]
- The engaging women strategy [2008-2012]
- Heart attack survivor survey: Gender Comparison [2015]
- AHA Scientific Statement [2016]. Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women
- AHA Guideline: Effectiveness-Based Guidelines for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women – 2011 Update.
- AHA Scientific Statement [2016]: Preventing and Experiencing Ischaemic Heart Disease as a Woman. The State of the Science.
NSW Women and Heart Disease program
The Heart Foundation in NSW has embarked on a three-year campaign to raise awareness among women and the health professionals who care for them. The comprehensive program will include education programs, resources and education for health professionals as well as funding key research projects on women and heart disease. Learn more.
For heart health support contact the Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12 during business hours (local charges apply) or email the team of qualified health professionals.
Pregnancy and heart disease
Cardiovascular disease risk associated with pregnancy has until recent times been poorly acknowledged, researched and understood. Find out more about pregnancy and heart disease.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) occurs when a split or separation suddenly develops between the layers of the wall of one of the blood vessels (artery) that provides blood flow to the heart. Find out more about Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.