CardiAction Scientific Update: Addressing Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for women, yet challenges in risk prediction and management continue to hinder progress in reducing mortality rates. Research highlights significant sex-specific differences in CVD risk profiles, outcomes, and awareness, underscoring the urgent need for tailored approaches to improve cardiovascular health in women.

Key Challenges in Cardiovascular Risk Prediction for Women

1. Sex-Specific Differences in Risk and Outcomes

Women experience unique cardiovascular risk factors, and their presentation of CVD often differs from men. Although overall mortality from CVD is declining, it is doing so at a slower rate for women. Younger women, particularly those under 55, have seen a concerning rise in CVD mortality, with worse outcomes compared to men.

2. Perception Gap in CVD Risk Awareness

Many women underestimate their lifetime risk of heart disease. While heart disease is the number one health threat for women, only 55% are aware of this fact, and 71% have never discussed it with their doctor. Awareness of the links between CVD and factors like autoimmune disorders, pregnancy complications, early menopause, and irregular periods remains low, contributing to suboptimal outcomes.

3. Lack of Awareness Among Healthcare Providers

Studies reveal a significant gap in the way physicians assess CVD risk in women. Physicians often assign lower risk levels to female patients compared to risk-matched male patients. Among primary care physicians, heart disease in women is frequently deprioritised, falling behind weight issues and breast health. Additionally, only 49% of primary care physicians and 59% of cardiologists feel adequately trained to assess cardiovascular risk in female patients. This gap contributes to delayed or missed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

4. Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Women

While women share traditional modifiable CVD risk factors with men (e.g., diabetes, smoking, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, obesity), these factors often have a greater impact on women. Moreover, women face unique risk factors such as early menopause, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

The CardiAction Solution

The CardiAction Fitness and Health Program provides an innovative approach to addressing these challenges by offering women the tools they need to improve their cardiovascular health literacy and risk management.

• Empowering Women with Knowledge: The CardiAction program and app use simple, accessible language to help women understand their cardiovascular health and the specific risks they face. By increasing awareness, women can take a proactive approach to managing their health.
• Incorporating Sex-Specific Risk Factors: Using a systems biology approach, the CardiAction program tailors risk assessments to include the additional sex-specific factors unique to women. This personalised approach ensures that women receive more accurate and effective cardiovascular care.

Take Control of Your Heart Health with CardiAction

Cardiovascular risk assessment and management are complex, especially for women. The CardiAction Fitness and Health Program is designed to bridge the gap in awareness and care, empowering women to take charge of their heart health. Do not wait to prioritise your wellbeing. Explore the CardiAction program and app today to start your journey to a healthier heart.