Awareness

According to a consensus statement from the American Heart Association, research continues to demonstrate that underrecognition and underdiagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) contribute to high mortality rates in women.⁷ And although some progress has been made—the rate of awareness of CAD as the leading cause of death in women has nearly doubled in the past decade (55% in 2005 vs 30% in 1997)¹⁵⁷—whether this increased awareness has led to greater preventative behaviors that might lower risk remains unknown.

In a study conducted in 2003, 51% of women surveyed still identified cancer as their greatest health threat,⁸ even though cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills nearly double the number of women than all cancers combined (Figure 2).²

Barriers to Awareness

There are several factors that prove to be obstacles in getting the message out to women about their risk of heart disease. In a recent study, barriers to heart health that women cited included¹⁵⁷:

• Confusion in the media (49%)
• The belief that health is determined by a higher power (44%)
• Too busy with caretaking responsibilities (36%)

The study indicated that women tend to be motivated toward action for their family rather than themselves. Lori Mosca, MD, PhD, lead study author and director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, notes that the findings "lend support for women as 'heart keepers' of families" and suggest that "campaigns to educate them should lead to improved health for their children and others for whom they provide care and make healthcare decisions."¹⁵⁷

Bridging the Cultural Gap

The current statistics on awareness in women reflect the need for education that crosses cultural lines more effectively. Caucasian women are more likely to be aware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women (62%) than African American (38%) or Hispanic (34%) women (Figure 3).¹⁵⁷ Her Heart Community is dedicated to bridging this gap in awareness. For more information, visit Women of Color.