Dr. Jonathan Byrne, UK Lead of the UK’s Valve for Life programme and a Consultant Cardiologist at King’s College Hospital, warns that heart disease is frequently underestimated and misdiagnosed in women. In this article, he highlights the key issues and the gender disparities in UK heart care services.
The UK health service will face substantial challenges in managing the increasing demand for treatment for heart conditions in the coming years. The projected rise is expected to be exacerbated by the ageing population, adding further strain to healthcare resources. Cardiac issues in women are a significant health concern. Heart failure is a leading cause of death for women; it is estimated that more than 300,000 women are admitted to hospitals in the UK annually due to heart attacks.1 Over 3.6 million women are affected by cardiac issues in the UK alone.1
Remarkably, the occurrence of heart attacks among women is still frequently characterised as 'unexpected' by healthcare professionals. It is often overshadowed by the misconception that heart disease is a 'male' problem. The risk of heart disease in women is frequently underestimated, stemming from the misunderstanding that females are inherently 'protected' against cardiovascular disease.1 Women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed after a heart attack, and they often face delays in referral for diagnostic testing compared to men.2
The backlog for crucial heart care services continues to mount for both genders; it is estimated that over a quarter of a million people are waiting for tests and treatments in England alone.3 Alarmingly, the count of individuals enduring waits exceeding a year for heart tests and treatment in England is much higher than pre-pandemic levels.
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