Checking in with women's heart health

Dr Davis advises women to get their heart checked regularly, as part of routine preventative care.

‘I would encourage all women over the age of 45, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women over the age of 30, to see their GP for a heart health check.’

She says this is important, even if you have no symptoms or believe you are low risk.

‘My experience is that many women underestimate their risk. Often women who are at high risk for heart disease believe their risk is low.’

The Victorian Government is also investing in heart health equipment and services at public hospitals and health services in regional Victoria.

This means more people, including women, can access heart health checks and diagnostics in their community.

Colac Area Health received $221,500 through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for upgraded cardiac monitoring equipment including:

• 17 cardiac monitors
• four telemetry monitors
• a central monitoring system.

Lisa Pryor, Executive Director of Nursing for Colac Area Health says patients presenting with chest pain and cardiac abnormalities is common.

Lisa says the new cardiac monitors mean staff don’t have to transfer monitors between bays. Patients can also be observed remotely through the cardiac monitors by the Barwon Health emergency department.

This means patients can avoid unnecessary hospital transfers and be treated in their community.

‘We can care for patients here where appropriate,’ adds Lisa. ‘And if patients do need to be transferred, we can start appropriate treatment here first.’

Goulburn Valley Health’s Shepparton Hospital also received $310,000 in funding through the Medical Equipment Replacement Program to upgrade and replace their trans-esophageal echocardiogram probe.

Also known as a ‘TOE’ probe, this equipment allows clinicians to look at heart chambers and valves for signs of heart disease.

‘Being able to do the ‘TOE’ study on-site reduces the risk of a patient becoming more unwell,’ says Clinical Director of Cardiology at Shepparton Hospital, Dr Jennifer Coller.

Dr Coller believes we need to take gender into consideration more when treating women. This includes asking questions about:

• previous issues during pregnancies like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes
• early menopause
• perimenopausal symptoms.

Dr Coller says it’s important to consider life stage and how it impacts the heart. For example:

• a young woman might have an iron deficiency – caused by heavy periods – that can impact on heart symptoms
• a woman at family planning stage might need a change in treatment
• a woman going through menopause might benefit from a chat about risks versus benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

Dr Coller believes taking this time upfront to understand a woman’s overall health and lifestyle provides short and long term benefits.

By doing so, healthcare professionals can build trust and rapport, which can support a woman’s engagement with treatment and potentially help improve a women’s quality of life.

Women's Health Week is an initiative by Jean Hailes and runs 4-8 September.

This year's program features new resources and information on hormones, polycystic ovary syndrome, cervical screening self-collection, heart health, persistent pelvic pain and nutrition.

For more information about Women's Health Week and resources, visit the Jean Hailes website.