Question

Is there a gender bias when it comes to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease? Discuss how your findings may change how you assess and care for patients with cardiovascular problems. Using peer-reviewed sources

Answer 1

Gender bias in assessment , diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases:

When referring the Peer reviewed sources, one can understand the fact that, there exist a bias between males and females in assessing and diagnosing the heart diseases. Usually women develops heart diseases especially Coronary artery diseases, 7 to 10 years later than men. It believes  that this is due  to the protective action of oestrogen in maintaining the blood vessels' Health. But the risk for Heart diseases are same in male and female genders after 60 years. But there is more consideration for men , in getting the health care services related to heart diseases such as Assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention of Heart diseases .

Cardiovascular diseases are the diseases involving the heart and blood vessels ; arteries and veins , such as Coronary artery diseases. Reports show that Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death among women over the age of 65 years. NHANES ( National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys) data reveals that the Myocardial infraction rate is increased in women between the age of 35 to 55 years , while considering the previous two decades' reports . But still there is a neglect from healthcare sector over women's heart health.

The misconception of women's ' protected heart and blood vessels ' is more strong , and it has to be prevented from the health professionals ' ans people 's mind. European Heart survey also published a report that says that the number of women who were referred for Ischemia test , after an epidode of 'Angina pectoris ' is very nominal when comparing the same number of men who experienced Angina. More number of men were referred for futher diagnostic investigations and treatment procedures for Heart diseases when comparing with the women. This inturn affects the health outcome in women and the life quality.  

This knowledge regarding the bias in assessment , diagnosis and management of heart disease can cause a significant change in a Health professionals' attitude towards the delivery of health services to the women especially who presents the risk of heart diseases such as high blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia etc. Health education focusing on prevention of Heart diseases and the importance of heart healthy diet should extensively provide to the women in same importance with the men. Health care delivery professionals especially physicians should also focus the assessment and early diagnosis of heart diseases in women, so that it can be controlled effectively.