Every year, ischaemic heart disease (including heart attacks and angina) kills around 2,600 women in Scotland – that’s seven women every day. There are currently around 100,000 women in Scotland who are living with ischaemic heart disease.
Needless deaths
Too many women are not aware that they are at risk. The common perception that heart disease affects men leads to women being less likely to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and more likely to delay seeking help, which can cost lives.
What’s more, women may be less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, may face disadvantages in treatment and may be less likely to be referred, or attend cardiac rehabilitation – a vital stage of recovery.
I remember a crampy feeling across my chest and being slightly out of breath. I never for one moment suspected a heart attack. I thought it was a bit of stress or a chest infectionJen Stevens, Edinburgh,
Read our briefing
The BHF Scotland Bias and Biology report includes policy calls which aim to address this situation for women in Scotland.
BHF Scotland is committed to working closely with all partners to tackle the inequalities faced by women with heart disease