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The report of the Policy Conference also notes that despite the higher risk of stroke, women with atrial fibrillation prior to having an acute stroke do not receive adequate antithrombotic therapy. Women are under-treated with acute thrombolysis mostly because of greater delay in hospital arrival after the onset of symptoms.

The Policy Conference proposed some immediate actions that should be undertaken with the hope that synergic activities will be implemented at European level with the support of national health care authorities, which was discussed at the March 7 conference.

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe and as such there is an overwhelming need to approach the problem in a multidisciplinary manner that highlights the importance of disease prevention and gender differences," said Michal Tendera, ESC president. "A unified approach by the EUs health care community will help bring attention to the parameters associated with CV health and will help provide understanding about prevention measures."

The ESC is working on several initiatives to help promote prevention measures. Women at Heart, launched in March 2005, highlights to medical professionals the growing burden and under-appreciation of women's heart disease. Through Women at Heart, the ESC is working towards an increased awareness across Europe that CVD is the primary cause of death in women; a better understanding of women's risk factors and presentation profiles by the medical profession; improved treatment of women with CVD by the medical profession and an increased representation of women in clinical trials.

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Contact: Lisa Abdolian
labdolian@escardio.org
33-492-948-627
European Society of Cardiology
7-Mar-2006