a practical guide for women
THE ESSENTIAL
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
- Women with CVD are less likely than men to benefit from diagnostic tests, secondary prevention drugs and revascularization procedures.
Recovering from a heart attack or any other cardiovascular disorder is key to regaining strength and reducing the risk of future heart problems.
Yet, around the world, women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) experience poorer outcomes and are less likely to participate in prevention and rehabilitation programs than men: that’s what prompted the International Prevention Council and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (ICCPR) has published a set of recommendations published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, edited by Elsevier.
More involved
The advice is 15 in number and concerns support as well as the choice of delivery method, education in heart disease and the training of medical personnel.
Women should thus be more involved and encouraged to be followed, by having the choice of support in a center or at home and in an environment adapted to women.
Additionally, programs should have a strong psychosocial component, and women’s psychosocial needs such as their stress status and relationship health should be assessed and addressed in an evidence-based manner, the authors point out.
Superior quality and quantity of life
“For the first time, there is a consensus definition and recommendations for female-focused cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR), so it is now hoped that many programs incorporate these elements“, said the lead author, Professor Sherry L. Grace.
“If implemented, more women will be able to engage in CR and therefore have a significantly higher quality and quantity of life.”
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