Women less well diagnosed

More vulnerable than men to cardiovascular disease, women are also less likely to be diagnosed. 60 millions de consommateurs takes a close look at the cardiovascular aspect in its special issue devoted to women's health.

It's important to disseminate accurate information, which will help with diagnosis. A woman may be treated for sciatica for years with anti-inflammatory drugs, then suddenly realize "she's a smoker, she's on the pill, it could be arteritis", and be correctly diagnosed...

Another important piece of information: in women undergoing the menopause, progressive estrogen deficiency leads to a thickening of the arterial wall, which becomes more rigid. This promotes hypertension, one of the main risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

And finally, an essential aspect of coronary disease in women may present itself differently before the age of 50. Atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries are soft and pliable. They tear and reattach. This gives rise to symptoms that come and go, including palpitations, shortness of breath and digestive pain. Asphyxiation of the heart muscle is less brutal than when a coronary artery is blocked, but no less severe.

Taking into account all the symptoms specific to women is essential to diagnosis and treatment.