International physician survey reveals misperceptions about the toll of strok...( While most people think of cardiovascu...),Health

"While most people think of cardiovascular disease as a man's problem, the truth is that both sexes suffer just about equally, but for a variety of reasons cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke, are more often fatal in women than in men," said Janet Vote, chief executive officer of the World Heart Federation.

The GRASP (Global Reality of Attitudes on Stroke Prevention and Hypertension) survey found that six in ten physicians believe that men are more likely than women to die from stroke. In fact, a higher proportion of deaths in women, 11% (2.9 million annually), are a result of stroke as compared to the proportion of deaths from stroke in men, 8% (2.5 million annually).(1) Not only do more women than men die from stroke, but if women survive a stroke, they are more likely to be severely disabled than men.(2)

"Cardiovascular disease is the largest single cause of death among women, accounting for a third of all deaths," said Ms Vote. "We want women, physicians and the public to be aware of the truths about heart disease and stroke and the impact on both women and men. The understanding about cardiovascular disease in women needs to be raised to the same level it is for cardiovascular disease in men. We also want World Heart Day to serve as a catalyst to encourage women around the world to be proactive in preventing heart disease and stroke. Women must have discussions with their physicians about their risk factors such as hypertension and, if necessary, seek the best available treatments and/or make the appropriate lifestyle changes." Hypertension and stroke are strongly linked.

Although there are a number of risk factors for stroke, including smoking, diabetes, excess weight and physical inactivity, hypertension is the No. 1 risk factor and is present in the vast majority of stroke sufferers. A common public perception is that the main risk associated with hypertension is heart attack, while in fact hypertension is a major
'"/>

Contact: Helen Limbrick
helen.limbrick@shirehealthlondon.com
44-207-313-6321
Shire Hall Communications
28-Sep-2003

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. International breast cancer prevention study launches in the United States and Canada
2. National Academies advisory: May 2 Symposium on International Science Policy
3. Awards & fellowships at the International & American Association for Dental Research General Session
4. Lectures, keynoters, symposia highlight International Dental Research meeting
5. Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: 2nd NIH International Congress
6. International gathering of experts to share retinoblastoma breakthroughs
7. International trial of two microbicides begins
8. International gathering at UH examines top computer code
9. International trial finds benefits of breast MRI in women at high risk
10. International study provides culture-by-culture clues to family violence and abuse
11. St. Jude scientist wins International Society of Experimental Hematology award