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

Abstract

Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. To date, the majority of knowledge regarding heart disease is based on research conducted in men. As a result, a male-oriented model of heart disease constitutes the basis for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for both sexes. This article reports findings from the first survey of Canadian physicians to examine their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding heart disease in women.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey, adapted from an instrument used in the United States, was undertaken in the spring of 2015. A sample of 504 physicians from a randomly selected sample of online responses was produced.

Results: Overall, physician responses demonstrate a general lack of awareness regarding the prevalence and approaches to the identification of, and treatments for, heart disease in women. In addition, physicians did not provide high ratings of their own effectiveness in supporting female patients to prevent or manage heart disease. The barriers that physicians face and the strategies to support them in improving women's heart health were explored.

Conclusions: There is a clear need to educate physicians about heart disease in women and its prevention and management. More female-specific research, prevention, and clinical programs will enhance our ability to significantly improve cardiovascular health in Canadian women.

Keywords: awareness; barriers; differences; heart health; knowledge; physician practices.