Health experts have issued a warning about a leading deadly disease which affects more than 3.6 million women in the UK. New research from at-home test kit provider PocDoc suggests that women often don’t fully appreciate the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to their health. This is despite the illness being the top cause of female deaths across the world.
A survey found that seven in 10 women don’t know the illness is the leading cause of female deaths, while a quarter think that CVD is primarily a male condition. Dr Kate Bunyan, lead clinical director at PocDoc, said: « For too long, heart disease has been perceived as a male issue, and as a result, thousands of women are missing vital opportunities for early detection and prevention.
« Our research shows that the majority of women are unaware of their risk, aren’t attending regular health checks, and may delay seeking help when symptoms appear. » The research found that awareness that CVD is the leading cause of death is particularly low among the group of women most at risk of the illness: those aged over 55.
The research also found that women often think that they face a higher health risk from breast cancer, mental health issues or ovarian cancer, than CVD. Almost two thirds of women do not attend regular health checks or screenings, while more than 80 percent do not take regular action to monitor or reduce their CVD risk.
Take control of your heart health
PocDoc offers a Health Heart Check, a finger-prick blood test which shows you your heart age as well as your cholestorol levels. Steve Roest, co-founder and CEO of PocDoc, said: « By providing accessible, quick, and accurate tools like the Healthy Heart Check, we can empower women to take control of their heart health, identify risk factors early, and access vital care pathways when needed.
« Ultimately, our mission is to prevent avoidable health conditions and save lives, one test at a time. » Information on the NHS website states that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term referring to conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
It is often associated with the build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots. The guidance says: « CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. »
There are several ‘risk factors’ that can increase your risk of getting the disease. This include smoking, having high blood pressure or cholesterol, or having diabetes. Not exercising regularly or being overweight or obese can also up your risk.
Regular NHS health checks
People aged over 40 will be invited for an NHS Health Check every five years. The free check-up looks at aspects including the health of your heart and blood vessels.
It can tell you if you are at a greater risk of certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or stroke.
