More women are dying of strokes for lack of testing

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The study of more than 15,000 people found that female patients were half as likely as men to be treated for one of the leading causes of heart problems.

Researchers said that GPs and specialists were slow to diagnose the most common form of abnormal cardiac rhythm in women, thus increasing their risk of stroke and death.

Dr Pierre Sabouret, lead researcher and a cardiologist at Heart Institute-Pitie Salpetriere Hospital, in Paris, said he believed many doctors did not realise how common the condition was among women, and failed to carry out tests to establish the likelihood of a problem.

"I think doctors - GPs and cardiologists - often do not realise the risk for women. Too often they will think that if a female patient looks healthy, and dresses smartly and looks after herself, she is probably okay."

The study of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation - one of the leading causes of stroke - found that women below the age of 70 were 56% less likely to be treated for the condition, compared with men with the same risk profile.

The cardiac condition, which affects around one in 14 people over the age of 65, can cause palpitations, fainting or chest pain, but is often symptomless.

The chance of the disorder developing increases rapidly with age. It causes more than 15,000 strokes a year in the UK.

The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Amsterdam, found that, among patients aged 70 and above, the gap narrowed slightly but women were still one-third less likely to be given treatment, such as anti-coagulants, which are used to reduce the risk of stroke.

Sabouret said doctors should be following European guidelines, which demand that a series of tests be undertaken, including of blood pressure, and that vascular history be considered and checks made for diseases such as diabetes.

If atrial fibrillation is established, patients should be put on an anticoagulant, the guidelines say.

"The guidance is there - the problem is that doctors are not following it."

The cardiologist said failure to give women the right treatment resulted in thousands of premature deaths.

The study took place in France but Sabrouret said the findings were applicable globally.

Thembi Nkala, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "It's absolutely vital that atrial fibrillation be spotted early because it can more than quadruple the risk of having a stroke.

"Some people might not have any obvious symptoms but it's easy to check yourself for signs at home, simply by feeling the pulse on your wrist.

"If your pulse feels irregular and variable in strength, make sure you visit your doctor."

Source: Sowetan