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- Title
Women's experience of coronary heart disease: why is it different?
- Authors
Almond, Susanna C.; Salisbury, Helen; Ziebland, Sue
- Abstract
Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in women in the UK. Delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to increased mortality and morbidity. This article reviews the recent literature to identify reasons for delayed diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease in women, using a modified version of Anderson's model of Total Patient Delay. Quotations from qualitative patient experience research are used to illustrate the causes of delays. Key differences identified between women and men include that women are less aware of risk, less likely to experience chest pain, have more atypical symptoms and a higher incidence of prodromal symptoms. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that women may experience delays in triage and be treated differently from men. Awareness of these differences should inform clinical practice with the aim of improving clinical care and reducing missed diagnosis.
- Subjects
DIAGNOSIS; CORONARY disease; SEX distribution; WOMEN'S health; SYMPTOMS
- Publication
British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, 2012, Vol 7, Issue 4, p165
- ISSN
1749-6403
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.12968/bjca.2012.7.4.165