Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of American women, yet polls consistently show that the majority of women of all ages consider cancer (breast cancer, in particular) to be their greatest health threat. The facts clearly show that the odds of dying from heart disease are 14 times higher than dying of breast cancer.
Most women do not know the risk factors or symptoms of CVD and many continue to think of CVD as just a “man’s disease”. Similarly, many physicians are unaware of the impact of CVD on women’s health. Women are often less thoroughly screened or adequately treated for CVD risk factors than men.
By establishing a program dedicated to women and conducted by women, the UCSD Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program strives to increase public awareness about women’s CVD in the Southern California region. The more women know, the more protected they will be--which will benefit the entire family.
If you would like to share this information with other women in a group format, consider having one of our program specialists come speak to your work or women’s group about cardiovascular disease. For more information, requests or volunteer opportunities, please call (858) 657-8530 or email wcvhp@ucsd.edu.