by: NC

Although heart disease is the number one killer of women in
Canada, very few women actually consider the disease a major health
concern. In fact, women and their doctors often miss the symptoms of
heart disease, passing them off as the normal aches and pains of
aging or indigestion or stress.

The traditional belief that heart disease predominantly affects men
is false. In 2000, 36 per cent of all female deaths in Canada were a
result of heart disease compared to 34 per cent for males. As women
age the risk of dying from heart disease increases dramatically.
Researchers believe that after menopause women lose the heart
protecting benefits of estrogen. The result is a steep increase in
heart disease and death. Women need to educate themselves on the
risks of this deadly disease and play an active role in their own
heart health.

It is not all bad news. Medical discoveries are paving the way to
better preventive treatments. A recent landmark study investigated a
new treatment for both men and women with coronary disease who are
what cardiologists consider 'low-risk' but nevertheless are dying
even though they feel quite well until a few days before they die.
This important international study, EUROPA, provides compelling
evidence that heart attacks and death can be significantly reduced
in patients with coronary artery disease when the common and well
studied ACE Inhibitor perindopril (Coversyl®) is added to their
daily treatment regimen. Considering that half of all heart disease
deaths in women are from coronary artery disease, this is both a
milestone in cardiology and a major step forward for women.

For more information, talk to your doctor or visit
www.europa-trial.org.

- News Canada

About the author:
News Canada