Becoming Leaders in Women’s Heart Health Research
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in Canada, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined? Or that five times more women die from cardiovascular diseases than breast cancer alone? The statistics are startling, but change is on the horizon.
Significant gaps remain in understanding and addressing the unique aspects of women’s heart health, but through your contributions, we can make an impact. By supporting the Women's Heart Health Research Collaborative (WHHRC) you can help improve our knowledge and understanding of women’s heart health.
THE NEED
Women’s heart health has historically been under-researched, leading to a lack of gender-specific data. When suffering from heart disease, women often show symptoms and effects differently than men, and these differences are often missed or misunderstood. Current evidence shows women under 65 are experiencing a rise in heart attacks, particularly those with non-obstructive coronary arteries, a scenario at least twice as prevalent in women compared to men.
In Alberta alone, around 300 women per year are discharged from emergency rooms with chest pain, only to suffer a heart attack within 30 days.
This disparity between men and women highlights the need for updated research, allowing for proper understanding of the unique challenges and needs women face when dealing with cardiovascular diseases.
The goal is to raise ~$620,000 to provide three years of funding for this new collaborative.
"Everyone deserves a chance for a longer and healthier life, and through the WHHRC we are giving women who suffer from heart conditions that chance. Your support can lead to breakthroughs in research needed to address the unique challenges around women's heart health and prevent it from being overlooked as it has been in the past."- Dr. Colleen Norris |
|
HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP
Your gift to the Women's Heart Health Research Collective supports a partnership between the Alberta Women's Health Foundation and the CK Hui Heart Centre at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. By making a contribution, you are investing in a future where women's heart health is researched thoroughly and treated effectively. Your donation will help save lives and transform the landscape of healthcare for women across Alberta and beyond.
Your support is more than just a donation; it is a commitment to a future where women’s heart health is understood. Together, we can close the gaps in research, enhance clinical practices, and ensure that every woman receives the care she deserves.
WHAT YOUR DONATION WILL SUPPORT
Your support will fund research initiatives through the WHHRC, providing insight into the unique factors women face with cardiovascular health. Your donations will help support the WHHRC in:
- Innovative Research: Establishing and expanding a database to study female-specific cardiovascular conditions.
- Capacity Building: Mentoring and training the next generation of researchers and clinicians focused on women’s cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced Clinical Practice: Developing and implementing specialized clinical care models, ensuring that women receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments based on their unique needs.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Increasing public and professional awareness about women’s heart health through community engagement, policy advocacy, and educational programs.
