The Female Athlete Conference held in Boston in June shed light on the disparities in recognizing and treating women’s cardiac problems, particularly in athletes. The event highlighted the fact that female hearts differ from male hearts at a cellular level, emphasizing the need for personalized cardiovascular care. Unlike men, women may experience atypical heart attack symptoms, such as subtle discomfort, which can lead to delays in seeking medical help.
One concerning issue raised at the conference was the reluctance to perform heart resuscitation on women, even in sports settings where immediate action is crucial. Female athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest are less likely to receive timely assistance compared to their male counterparts, mirroring disparities faced by people of color. This highlights the urgent need for training on CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators for all individuals, regardless of gender.
Dr. Eli Friedman, a sports cardiologist, emphasized the importance of swift action in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, stressing that time is crucial for survival. He pointed out the need to overcome societal barriers that may hinder bystanders from administering life-saving interventions, such as concerns about inappropriate physical contact in public settings.
In addition to emergency preparedness, understanding the biological differences in female hearts is essential, especially as women age. As women transition into menopause and beyond, the risks of cardiovascular issues, such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, increase. Screening and monitoring these changes in masters athletes, individuals over 35, are vital to ensuring their cardiovascular health.
Dr. Meagan Wasfy, a sports cardiologist, highlighted the challenges of diagnosing and treating cardiovascular issues in aging female athletes. While exercise is beneficial for overall health, factors like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis need to be closely monitored, especially as women age. The conference emphasized the need to move beyond attributing symptoms to menopause and prioritize thorough assessments of cardiovascular risk factors in female athletes.
Overall, the Female Athlete Conference underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique cardiovascular needs of women, particularly in the realm of sports medicine. By bridging the gaps in research and medical practices, healthcare providers can better support female athletes of all ages in maintaining optimal heart health and performance.
