Victims of a cardiovascular accident, women speak out

A disease of the environment and lifestyle, cardiovascular disease is no longer the preserve of men. In the space of 30 years, they have even become the leading cause of death among women, with 200 deaths per day in France, equivalent to the population of the city of Cannes disappearing every year...this emergency is still too little known!

Even more disturbing is the fact that these women are being affectedyounger and younger, from their forties onwards, a consequence of their changing lifestyles, which have led them to adopt the bad habits of men: smoking, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, stress....

At the same age, women have more risk factors than men, with thinner, more fragile arteries. They are also subject to specific risk situations, at the three key phases of their hormonal life: contraception, pregnancy and menopause.

When Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes asks them to testify, because their story can and must be useful for others, most women who have suffered a cardiovascular accident agree to become "hummingbirds" for cardiovascular prevention. They then become involved in the cause, in their family, friends and professional environment. They are no longer ashamed to speak out in the media and on social networks, openly. They'll often say, "I didn't know, I wasn't listened to, I was a victim of medical wandering, and now I'm acting through my testimony to prevent other women from going through this, thanks to timely information and care". These powerful testimonials speak louder than many a scientific discourse. They demonstrate the power of prejudice.

"Over 80% of women are more concerned about the health of their loved ones, postponing their medical appointments in 7 out of 10 cases, and pushing back their limits to remain at the service of their families, despite their major mental burden, like little soldiers of daily life. The women are too strong, but so vulnerable. They find themselves dumbfounded, flabbergasted when the accident happens!"
Pr Claire Mounier-Véhier, cardiologist and vascular physician at Lille University Hospital, co-founder of Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes

"As we celebrate the first anniversary of our Women's Heart Bus with over 3,000 women already screened, we note that 90% of them accumulate at least 2 cardiovascular risk factors. This initial feedback underlines the medical and social urgency of this type of concrete preventive action on the ground. And above all, these women are full of gratitude for having been listened to, screened and put back on a care pathway."
Thierry Drilhon, director and business leader, President of the Franco British Chamber, co-founder of Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes,

Alert, anticipate, act - these are the aims of Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes, to save the lives of at least 10,000 women within 5 years. Today, the endowment fund is giving a voice to women who have suffered a cardiovascular accident. Some have nearly lost their lives because they were spotted too late, not listened to, with random care, faced with symptoms that were nonetheless very real and which they had spoken about before the accident.

Cardiovascular disease in women must now be considered a medical and social emergency. And there's some very good news: 8 out of 10 cardiovascular accidents can be avoided through active prevention, with regular screening for risk factors to optimize treatment.

To take action before it's too late, Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes is making available to all women a document to download from its website, giving all the keys to taking care of your cardiovascular health.

Download the press release