Conference “Together for the hearts of women”

Soroptimist International France Launches Awareness Campaign on Cardiovascular Diseases in Women

Soroptimist International France is at the forefront of an awareness campaign aimed at addressing cardiovascular diseases in women. Despite significant advances in medical research and public education over the last three decades, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality among women, increasingly affecting younger demographics. This alarming trend prompts urgent conversations and actions to counteract these statistics.

The Increase of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Women

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass a range of heart and blood vessel disorders and include conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Although both men and women are affected, women often face heightened risks that are frequently overlooked in diagnosis and treatment. Here are some critical points highlighting the current situation:

• Leading Cause of Mortality: Cardiovascular diseases account for 31% of all deaths among women globally.
• Rising Rates Among Young Women: Recent studies show a troubling increase in heart attacks among women aged 35 to 54.
• Underdiagnosis and Undertreatment: Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for heart disease due to longstanding biases in medical research and practice.

Did You Know? Despite a reduction in overall cardiovascular risk due to successful awareness campaigns, the female mortality rate from CVD has not decreased at the same pace.

Explaining the Contradiction: Trends vs. Gender Disparities

Two pivotal questions arise when examining the current landscape of cardiovascular health among women:

1. Why the Increase in Heart Attacks Among Young Women?

The increase in heart attacks in younger women can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Lifestyle Changes: Higher rates of obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle choices significantly elevate cardiovascular risk.
• Hormonal Factors: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can increase vulnerability to heart issues.
• Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress and mental health disorders contribute to heart disease, with women reporting higher stress levels than men.

2. Imbalance in Treatment for Cardiovascular Pathologies

The treatment gap between men and women concerning cardiovascular diseases stands out for various sociocultural and medical reasons:

• Lack of Representation in Clinical Research: Historically, clinical trials focused largely on men, leading to a lack of tailored treatments for women.
• Gender Bias in Symptoms: Women’s symptoms of heart disease are often different from men’s, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
• Healthcare Provider Awareness: Many healthcare providers may not recognize that cardiovascular risk factors for women differ from those for men.

Join Us for the Conference: Together for the Hearts of Women

On Friday, October 4, at 8:30 p.m., Soroptimist International France invites you to participate in an enlightening conference titled “Together for the Hearts of Women.” This event will take place at the Training Institute for Health Professions, located at allées des arts in Auch, next to Ciné 32.

Key Speaker: Dr. Maryse Lescure

Dr. Maryse Lescure, a distinguished cardiologist from the Auch Hospital Center, will lead the discussion. The conference aims to:

• Provide insights into the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among women.
• Discuss misconceptions and offer concrete steps for prevention.
• Encourage community engagement in addressing female mortality rates related to heart disease.

What You Can Expect

Attendees will benefit from:

• Expert knowledge from healthcare professionals.
• Opportunities for questions and discussions about individual experiences and concerns.
• Networking with like-minded individuals to foster support and advocacy.

Contact Information

If you have further questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to the Club Soroptimist Also Armagnac at 06 71 75 32 28.

Join us for a moment of conviviality following the conference, where discussions can continue in an informal setting. Your participation is invaluable in combating this critical public health issue!

Practical Tips for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Women

In addition to raising awareness, it is crucial to adopt practices that can mitigate risks associated with cardiovascular diseases. Here are some effective strategies:

• Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health.
• Healthy Diet: Embrace a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and sugars.
• Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week to maintain heart health.
• Stress Management: Invest time in stress-relieving practices such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies that bring joy.

Conclusion

By addressing cardiovascular diseases in women head-on, Soroptimist International France aims to foster awareness and drive community engagement. The upcoming conference is a step toward understanding and combating this pressing health issue.