Women's Heart Health: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of Canadian Physicians

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Heart disease is a major cause of death in women, yet research predominantly focuses on men.
• Current diagnostic and treatment strategies for heart disease are largely based on male-oriented models.
• This study addresses the first survey of Canadian physicians on their understanding of heart disease in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Canadian physicians' knowledge, beliefs, and practices concerning heart disease in women.
• To identify barriers physicians face in managing women's heart health.
• To explore strategies for improving physician support for female patients' cardiovascular well-being.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the spring of 2015.
• The survey instrument was adapted from a previously used U.S. study.
• Data were collected from 504 physicians via online responses.

Main Results:

• Physicians exhibited a general lack of awareness regarding the prevalence, identification, and treatment of heart disease in women.
• Physicians reported low confidence in their effectiveness in preventing or managing heart disease in female patients.
• Barriers and potential strategies for enhancing women's heart health support were identified.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for enhanced physician education on heart disease in women.
• Increased female-specific research is essential for improving cardiovascular health outcomes.
• Developing targeted prevention and clinical programs will significantly benefit Canadian women's heart health.