Just one in four women in the UK recognises that coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single bigges...
Just one in four women in the UK recognises that coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single biggest threat to their life expectancy, according to a report published by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
In 2001, CHD killed 54,000 women in the UK. This is four times the death rate of breast cancer, which, according to the report, 40% of women consider to be the greatest threat to their life.
Half of women aged between 16 and 24 were found to fear lung and breast cancer, while only one-tenth considered CHD as a threat.
According to the report, the decline in CHD among women in the UK is falling slower than in other countries. Between 1988 and 1998, the death rate in the UK declined by 38%, whereas the rate among women in Australia fell by 52%. In Denmark, the decline was also more rapid, standing at 45%.
Despite improved availability of treatments to prevent heart disease, it is thought around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with heart disease and this figure is rising.
The BHF is now launching a campaign to help heighten awareness on the issue of women and CHD.
Hazel Blears, public health minister, said: 'We are working with the BHF and other partner-ship organisations to help alert the public to coronary heart disease risk factors.'
