Guylaine Pinet had been suffering from worsening chest pain for three years until she sought help at the Cardio F clinic, the first center in Quebec dedicated to women’s cardiovascular health. Dr. Jessica Forcillo, co-founder of the clinic, highlighted the changing landscape of research in women’s heart health.
Established five years ago at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Cardio F aims to address disparities in women’s cardiovascular health. Dr. Forcillo emphasized that being female is a significant predictor of mortality, despite advancements in modern healthcare. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women globally.
In Canada, February 13 is observed as “Everyone in Red” day to raise awareness about underdiagnosed heart disease in women.
At Cardio F, a focus is placed on diseases specific to women and understanding risk factors like hormones, pregnancy, and menopause. Researchers are studying these factors with participants’ consent.
Dr. Forcillo explained that while there may be no visible differences between male and female hearts, disparities emerge when diseases develop. Cardiometabolic, hormonal, or inflammatory differences may play a role.
Guylaine Pinet, a retired nurse, credited Cardio F with transforming her life by addressing her persistent pain. She stressed the importance of women advocating for themselves and being proactive about their symptoms.
Recognizing unique symptoms in women is crucial. While men and women may experience similar heart attack symptoms, women often display different signs like sweating, hot flashes, and abdominal discomfort, which can lead to misinterpretation.
Research is evolving to encompass a broader understanding of women’s heart health beyond traditional reproductive-focused studies. Biomarkers are being explored to predict and intervene in heart disease more effectively.
Efforts are being made to translate research findings into clinical practice for better patient outcomes. Dr. Forcillo expressed optimism about the increasing focus on women’s heart health in medical research.
