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ALL-WOMEN TEAM REPORTS
ON CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE IN WOMEN
The first global report on the disease among women was presented
by a women-led Lancet commission.
Key findings were presented at the American
College of Cardiology’s 70th Annual
Scientific Session, revealing that 35% of
deaths in women worldwide are attributed
to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mortality
among young women is also on the rise.
In 2019, 275 million women were
diagnosed with the disease and 8.9 million
women died because of the disease,
according to the report. Despite being the
leading cause of death in women each year,
CVD in women remains under-studied,
under-recognised, under-diagnosed
and under-treated, with women underrepresented in clinical trials.
There are considerable geographical
differences in CVD, with the highest agestandardised prevalence in North Africa and
the Middle East. South American countries
showed the lowest prevalence.
The report says that evidence of
significant regional trends highlights the
need for improved data collection, at local
and regional levels, to effectively present,
recognise and treat the disease in women.
Authored by 17 experts from 11 countries,
the report included UCT’s acting deputy
dean for research in the Faculty of Health
Sciences, Professor Liesl Zühlke. She was
the only African among the commissioners.
“This commission’s work is both a starting
point and a call to action, to mobilise and
energise healthcare professionals and
policymakers – and women themselves – to
work towards a healthier future,” Zühlke said.
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