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Tegg NL, Myburgh C, O'Donnell E, Kennedy M, Norris CM. Impact of Secondary Amenorrhea on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Physically Active Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033154. [PMID: 38497482 PMCID: PMC11010010 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise-associated secondary amenorrhea results in estrogen deficiency, which may lead to dysfunction in estrogen's normal cardioprotective pathways. Estrogen may be essential in a woman's endothelial adaptations to exercise. The objective of this review was to assess the association between secondary amenorrhea in physically active women and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS AND RESULTS A literature search was performed in January 2023 and updated in August 2023 of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and Scopus from inception to present with no date or language limitations. Citation chaining was done to screen for additional studies. Eight sources were searched for gray literature. Studies that compared physically active women with amenorrhea to physically active women with eumenorrhea aged 18 to 35 years with evidence of CVD, alterations to cardiovascular physiology, or CVD risks were included. Eighteen observational studies from 3 countries were included. Overall, the quality of evidence was good. A meta-analysis was performed. Physically active women with secondary amenorrhea had significantly lower estradiol, flow-mediated dilation, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure and higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen deficiency resulting from exercise-associated secondary amenorrhea in physically active women may impact cardiovascular physiology and certain CVD risk factors. The research in this area is observational; therefore, findings should be interpreted cautiously. However, as exercise-associated secondary amenorrhea is reversible and the primary prevention of CVD is important for public health, it may be important to treat secondary amenorrhea and restore estrogen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Tegg
- Faculty of NursingUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Caitlynd Myburgh
- Faculty of NursingUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Faculty of Natural SciencesThe Kings UniversityEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | | | | | - Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of NursingUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Research, WCHRIEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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2
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Norris CM, Tegg NL, Ahmed SB, Gingara S, Green BJ, Gresiuk C, Henriquez M, Mulvagh SL, Van Damme A, Myburgh C, Graham MM. Women's Heart Health and the Menopausal Transition: Two Faces of the Same Coin. CJC Open 2024; 6:327-333. [PMID: 38487041 PMCID: PMC10935676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of the presence or absence of sex hormones on women's health is woefully underresearched. Fundamentally, women's bodies are now understood to spend considerable time under widely fluctuating hormonal influences, including puberty, pregnancy, peripartum, and menopause, and a woman's vessels are therefore preset for functional and physiological alterations based on levels of sex hormones. However, our understanding of the influences of sex hormones on the regulation of a multitude of biological and physiological processes has not translated into the development and/or collection or analyses of data on therapeutic treatments and/or outcomes in the context of women's disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Research, WCHRI, AWHF, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole L. Tegg
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia B. Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sharon Gingara
- Member of Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance with lived experience, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bobbi-Jo Green
- Member of Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance with lived experience, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Maya Henriquez
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Van Damme
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caitlynd Myburgh
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Kings University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michelle M. Graham
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Norris CM, Mullen KA, Foulds HJ, Jaffer S, Nerenberg K, Gulati M, Parast N, Tegg N, Gonsalves CA, Grewal J, Hart D, Levinsson AL, Mulvagh SL. The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 7: Sex, Gender, and the Social Determinants of Health. CJC Open 2024; 6:205-219. [PMID: 38487069 PMCID: PMC10935698 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Women vs men have major differences in terms of risk-factor profiles, social and environmental factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Women are more likely than men to experience health issues that are complex and multifactorial, often relating to disparities in access to care, risk-factor prevalence, sex-based biological differences, gender-related factors, and sociocultural factors. Furthermore, awareness of the intersectional nature and relationship of sociocultural determinants of health, including sex and gender factors, that influence access to care and health outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease remains elusive. This review summarizes literature that reports on under-recognized sex- and gender-related risk factors that intersect with psychosocial, economic, and cultural factors in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of women's cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kerri-Anne Mullen
- Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather J.A. Foulds
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shahin Jaffer
- Department of Medicine/Community Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kara Nerenberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Martha Gulati
- Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Centre, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nazli Parast
- Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Tegg
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jasmine Grewal
- Department of Medicine/Community Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Donna Hart
- Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sharon L. Mulvagh
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Tegg NL, Ahmed SB, Southern DA, Shlakhter O, Norris CM. Myocardial Infarction Within 30 Days of Discharge From an Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study of Albertan Women. CJC Open 2024; 6:355-361. [PMID: 38487066 PMCID: PMC10935690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, which may be due partly to a lack of awareness of the presentation of acute coronary events in emergency departments (EDs). To address an identified gap in women's cardiovascular care, we sought to describe the clinical and comorbid factors of women who, following discharge from an ED, suffered a myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Descriptive analyses were completed on a cohort of women who presented to an ED in Alberta, Canada, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020, were discharged, and within 30 days of their index ED visit, were admitted to the hospital with an MI. The cohort was explored for clinical and comorbid data, ED visits pre-MI, type of MI, and presenting complaint/ primary diagnosis for the index ED visit. Results 1380 women were included in this analysis with a mean age of 67 (standard deviation ±13) years. The frequencies of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among the youngest women, aged 18-45 years, were 47.5%, 31.3%, and 48.8%, respectively. Women across all ages demonstrated a high prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors, and 22% of women presented to an ED 2 or more times within the 30 days pre-MI. Conclusions Regardless of their age, the women in this cohort had notable CVD risk factors. Future research is required to better understand the phenomenon of women presenting multiple times to an ED pre-MI. Research is needed on life-stage-specific factors of women presenting to EDs pre-MI, to help reduce MI incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L. Tegg
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia B. Ahmed
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Danielle A. Southern
- Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Heart Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Jaffer S, Noble M, Pozgay A, Randhawa V, Gulati M, Mensour E, Parast N, Tegg N, Theberge E, Harchaoui EK, Mulvagh SL. The Development of a Chest-Pain Protocol for Women Presenting to the Emergency Department. CJC Open 2024; 6:517-529. [PMID: 38487055 PMCID: PMC10935692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, and of premature death in women in Canada. Despite improvements in cardiovascular care over the past 15-20 years, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and CVD mortality continue to increase among women in Canada. Chest pain is a common symptom leading to emergency department visits for both men and women. However, women with ACS experience worse outcomes. compared with those of men, due to misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis resulting in delayed care and underuse of guideline-directed medical therapies. CVD mortality rates are highest in Indigenous and racialized women and those with a disproportionately high number of adverse social determinants of health. CVD remains underrecognized, underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underresearched in women. Moreover, a lack of awareness of unique symptoms, clinical presentations, and sex-and-gender specific CVD risk factors, by healthcare professionals, leads to outcome disparities. In response to this knowledge gap, in acute recognition and management of chest-pain syndromes in women, the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance performed a needs assessment and review of CVD risk factors and ACS pathophysiology, through a sex and gender lens, and then developed a unique chest-pain assessment protocol utilizing modified dynamic programming algorithmic methodology. The resulting algorithmic protocol is presented. The output is intended as a quick reference algorithm that could be posted in emergency departments and other acute-care settings. Next steps include protocol implementation evaluation and impact assessment on CVD outcomes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Jaffer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Anita Pozgay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Varinder Randhawa
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Gulati
- Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emma Mensour
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazli Parast
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Tegg
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Alberta, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie Theberge
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Sharon L. Mulvagh
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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6
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Code J. At the Heart of Resilience: Empowering Women's Agency in Navigating Cardiovascular Disease. CJC Open 2024; 6:473-484. [PMID: 38487058 PMCID: PMC10935683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women globally, emphasizing the need for a healthcare approach that empowers women through agency. This review focuses on the critical role of women's agency in navigating CVD, integrating insights from various fields, including medicine, education, psychology, and sociology. The review highlights the shift toward patient-centred care, a framework in which women are recognized as key decision-makers, a crucial change given the historical underemphasis on women's health issues in medical practice. The diagnosis of CVD in women often involves emotional and psychological challenges. Unexpected diagnoses significantly disrupt perceived well-being, and prolonged diagnostic processes lead to professional skepticism and neglect of symptoms, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnoses and strained healthcare relationships. Effective management of CVD necessitates continuous self-management and a holistic approach to care, particularly for those with trauma who are at increased risk of cardiac incidents. Empowerment for women with CVD involves promoting self-confidence, autonomy, and active patient participation in healthcare. Implementing comprehensive care models is crucial for improving chronic CVD management, highlighting the need for healthcare systems that prioritize patient agency and empowerment. From the perspective of a woman with lived experience, this article examines the impact of CVD on women's agency throughout the diagnostic journey. By highlighting women's agency rather than particular behavioural changes, this review offers a comprehensive analysis that can shape policy, stimulate new research, and foster a more equitable, efficient, and empathetic healthcare system for women with CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillianne Code
- Woman with Lived Experience, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- HeartLife Foundation of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Norris CM, Mulvagh SL. Looking After HER HEART; Let's Talk About Women's Heart Health. CJC Open 2024; 6:139-141. [PMID: 38487053 PMCID: PMC10935685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine & School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Mulvagh
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Mulvagh SL, Colella TJ, Gulati M, Crosier R, Allana S, Randhawa VK, Bruneau J, Pacheco C, Jaffer S, Cotie L, Mensour E, Clavel MA, Hill B, Kirkham AA, Foulds H, Liblik K, Van Damme A, Grace SL, Bouchard K, Tulloch H, Robert H, Pike A, Benham JL, Tegg N, Parast N, Adreak N, Boivin-Proulx LA, Parry M, Gomes Z, Sarfi H, Iwegim C, Van Spall HG, Nerenberg KA, Wright SP, Limbachia JA, Mullen KA, Norris CM. The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 9: Summary of Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations. CJC Open 2024; 6:258-278. [PMID: 38487064 PMCID: PMC10935707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This final chapter of the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance "ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women" presents ATLAS highlights from the perspective of current status, challenges, and opportunities in cardiovascular care for women. We conclude with 12 specific recommendations for actionable next steps to further the existing progress that has been made in addressing these knowledge gaps by tackling the remaining outstanding disparities in women's cardiovascular care, with the goal to improve outcomes for women in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L. Mulvagh
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tracey J.F. Colella
- KITE-UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Gulati
- Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, Cedars Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Crosier
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Jill Bruneau
- Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Christine Pacheco
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shahin Jaffer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Community Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa Cotie
- KITE-UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Mensour
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Braeden Hill
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy A. Kirkham
- KITE-UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Foulds
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Kiera Liblik
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Van Damme
- University of Alberta Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sherry L. Grace
- York University and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Bouchard
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Tulloch
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Robert
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - April Pike
- Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jamie L. Benham
- Departments of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Tegg
- Faculties of Nursing, Medicine, and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nazli Parast
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Najah Adreak
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Monica Parry
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoya Gomes
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Hope Sarfi
- Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chinelo Iwegim
- Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Harriette G.C. Van Spall
- Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Research Institute of St Joe’s, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara A. Nerenberg
- Departments of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Colleen M. Norris
- Faculties of Nursing, Medicine, and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Wang S, Song J, Lee C, Jiang J, Wang M, Liu D, Wang Z, Yuan Y, Li W, Zhou R, Zheng H, Wei J, Hu Y, Wu T, Tian Z, Chen H. Gender disparities in the mediating role of symptom knowledge level in reducing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) decision delay: Findings from a community-based study in China. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:146. [PMID: 38104084 PMCID: PMC10725594 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing training programs to educate patients on the prodromal symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may assist patients in accurately recognizing these symptoms, and ultimately decrease their time delay in seeking emergency medical services (EMS). However, the effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain, particularly among the Chinese population. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted within 22 communities in Beijing, China between 2015 and 2018, with a total of 1099 participants recruited. The study utilized a standardized questionnaire to evaluate the presence of intentional decision delay in turning to EMS under a hypothetical chest pain, the participants' knowledge of ACS prodromal symptoms, and whether they had ever received any training programs aimed at increasing their symptom knowledge. Mediation analysis was performed with regression models and bootstrapping methods, and gender difference was further analyzed through moderated mediation analysis. RESULTS A total of 1099 participants (58.2% female, median [IQR] age 34 [20]) were included in the study. The results of the mediation analysis indicated that training programs were associated with a decrease risk in decision delay, with increased knowledge playing a mediating role (mediation effect/total effect = 36.59%, P < 0.0001). Gender modified this mediation effect, with it being observed only in the male group. Specifically, training programs were not found to significantly decrease decision delay among females (P > 0.05), even though they did improve women's knowledge of ACS prodromal symptoms (β = 0.57, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION The results suggested a relationship between prior training programs and reduced decision delay, with increased knowledge of prodromal symptoms of ACS serving as a mediator. However, the effect was only observed in male participants and not in female participants. This highlights the notion that mere transfer of knowledge regarding ACS prodromal symptoms may not be sufficient to mitigate decision delay in the female population. Further research is needed to corroborate these results and to gain deeper insights into the gender-specific barriers encountered in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Wang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Junxian Song
- Center for Cardiovascular Translational Research, Peking University People's Hospital Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Chongyou Lee
- Center for Cardiovascular Translational Research, Peking University People's Hospital Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mengying Wang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dongjing Liu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuqing Wang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyong Li
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ren Zhou
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianmin Wei
- Beijing Red Cross Emergency Rescue Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghua Hu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Tao Wu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenbiao Tian
- Beijing Red Cross Emergency Rescue Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Translational Research, Peking University People's Hospital Beijing, Beijing, China
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10
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Roeters van Lennep JE, Tokgözoğlu LS, Badimon L, Dumanski SM, Gulati M, Hess CN, Holven KB, Kavousi M, Kayıkçıoğlu M, Lutgens E, Michos ED, Prescott E, Stock JK, Tybjaerg-Hansen A, Wermer MJH, Benn M. Women, lipids, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a call to action from the European Atherosclerosis Society. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:4157-4173. [PMID: 37611089 PMCID: PMC10576616 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and men globally, with most due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Despite progress during the last 30 years, ASCVD mortality is now increasing, with the fastest relative increase in middle-aged women. Missed or delayed diagnosis and undertreatment do not fully explain this burden of disease. Sex-specific factors, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature menopause (especially primary ovarian insufficiency), and polycystic ovary syndrome are also relevant, with good evidence that these are associated with greater cardiovascular risk. This position statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society focuses on these factors, as well as sex-specific effects on lipids, including lipoprotein(a), over the life course in women which impact ASCVD risk. Women are also disproportionately impacted (in relative terms) by diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and auto-immune inflammatory disease. All these effects are compounded by sociocultural components related to gender. This panel stresses the need to identify and treat modifiable cardiovascular risk factors earlier in women, especially for those at risk due to sex-specific conditions, to reduce the unacceptably high burden of ASCVD in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine E Roeters van Lennep
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lale S Tokgözoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Science Program-ICCC, IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu I Santa Pau, Ciber CV, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra M Dumanski
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, and O’Brien Institute for Public Health, Calgary, Canada
| | - Martha Gulati
- Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Connie N Hess
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora and CPC Clinical Research Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kirsten B Holven
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, and National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meral Kayıkçıoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Cardiovascular Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erin D Michos
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eva Prescott
- Department of Cardiology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jane K Stock
- European Atherosclerosis Society, Mässans Gata 10, SE-412 51 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marieke J H Wermer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology at University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Benn
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Tegg NL, Desmarais OH, Lindsay MP, McDermott S, Mulvagh SL, Desbiens MM, Norris CM. A Survey of Female-Specific Cardiovascular Protocols in Emergency Departments in Canada. CJC Open 2023; 5:107-111. [PMID: 36880067 PMCID: PMC9984888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death for women. However, systematic inequalities exist in how women experience clinical cardiovascular (CV) policies, programs, and initiatives. Methods In collaboration with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a question regarding female-specific CV protocols in an emergency department (ED), or an inpatient or ambulatory care area of a healthcare site was sent via e-mail to 450 healthcare sites in Canada. Contacts at these sites were established through the larger initiative-the Heart Failure Resources and Services Inventory-conducted by the foundation. Results Responses were received from 282 healthcare sites, with 3 sites confirming the use of a component of a female-specific CV protocol in the ED. Three sites noted using sex-specific troponin levels in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes; 2 of the sites are participants in the hs-cTn-Optimizing the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction/Injury in Women (CODE MI) trial. One site reported the integration of a female-specific CV protocol component into routine use. Conclusions We have identified an absence of female-specific CVD protocols in EDs that may be associated with the identified poorer outcomes in women impacted by CVD. Female-specific CV protocols may serve to increase equity and ensure that women with CV concerns have access to the appropriate care in a timely manner, thereby helping to mitigate some of the current adverse effects experienced by women who present to Canadian EDs with CV symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Tegg
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Susanna McDermott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Colleen M Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Heart Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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12
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Ghisi GLDM, Kin SMR, Price J, Beckie TM, Mamataz T, Naheed A, Grace SL. Women-Focused Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: An International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guideline. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1786-1798. [PMID: 36085185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Women-focused cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR; phase II) aims to better engage women, and might result in better quality of life than traditional programs. This first clinical practice guideline by the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) provides guidance on how to deliver women-focused programming. The writing panel comprised experts with diverse geographic representation, including multidisciplinary health care providers, a policy-maker, and patient partners. The guideline was developed in accordance with Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealTh care (RIGHT). Initial recommendations were on the basis of a meta-analysis. These were circulated to a Delphi panel (comprised of corresponding authors from review articles and of programs delivering women-focused CR identified through ICCPR's audit; N = 76), who were asked to rate each on a 7-point Likert scale in terms of impact and implementability (higher scores positive). A Web call was convened to achieve consensus; 15 panelists confirmed strength of revised recommendations (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE]). The draft underwent external review from CR societies internationally and was posted for public comment. The 14 drafted recommendations related to referral (systematic, encouragement), setting (model choice, privacy, staffing), and delivery (exercise mode, psychosocial, education, self-management empowerment). Nineteen (25.0%) survey responses were received. For all but 1 recommendation, ≥ 75% voted to include; implementability ratings were < 5/7 for 4 recommendations, but only 1 for effect. Ultimately 1 recommendation was excluded, 1 separated into 2 and all revised (2 substantively); 1 recommendation was added. Overall, certainty of evidence for the final recommendations was low to moderate, and strength mostly strong. These recommendations and associated tools can support all programs to feasibly offer some women-focused programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Lima de Melo Ghisi
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Marzolini R Kin
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Theresa M Beckie
- College of Nursing, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA; College of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Taslima Mamataz
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aliya Naheed
- Initiative for Non-Communicable Diseases, Health System and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sherry L Grace
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Parry M, Visintini S, Johnston A, Colella TJ, Kapur D, Liblik K, Gomes Z, Dancey S, Liu S, Goodenough C, Hay JL, Noble M, Adreak N, Robert H, Tang N, O'Hara A, Wong A, Mullen KA. Peer-support interventions for women with cardiovascular disease: protocol for synthesising the literature using an evidence map. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067812. [PMID: 36198466 PMCID: PMC9535150 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The leading cause of death for women is cardiovascular disease (CVD), including ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure. Previous literature suggests peer support interventions improve self-reported recovery, hope and empowerment in other patient populations, but the evidence for peer support interventions in women with CVD is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe peer support interventions for women with CVD using an evidence map. Specific objectives are to: (1) provide an overview of peer support interventions used in women with ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure, (2) identify gaps in primary studies where new or better studies are needed and (3) describe knowledge gaps where complete systematic reviews are required. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We are building on previous experience and expertise in knowledge synthesis using methods described by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) and the Coordinating Centre at the Institute of Education. Seven databases will be searched from inception: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus. We will also conduct grey literature searches for registered clinical trials, dissertations and theses, and conference abstracts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be kept broad, and studies will be included if they discuss a peer support intervention and include women, independent of the research design. No date or language limits will be applied to the searches. Qualitative findings will be summarised narratively, and quantitative analyses will be performed using R. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University of Toronto's Research Ethics Board granted approval on 28 April 2022 (Protocol #42608). Bubble plots (ie, weighted scatter plots), geographical heat/choropleth maps and infographics will be used to illustrate peer support intervention elements by category of CVD. Knowledge dissemination will include publication, presentation/public forums and social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parry
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Visintini
- Berkman Library, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Johnston
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracey Jf Colella
- Toronto Rehabilitation Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation Program, KITE - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deeksha Kapur
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (Research Assistant), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiera Liblik
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoya Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sonia Dancey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuangbo Liu
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Catherine Goodenough
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline L Hay
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface General Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meagan Noble
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Indigenous Services Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Najah Adreak
- Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Helen Robert
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Tang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arland O'Hara
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anice Wong
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kerri-Anne Mullen
- Canadian Women's Heart Health Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Cotie LM, Ghisi GLM, Vanzella LM, Aultman C, Oh P, Colella TJF. A Social-Ecological Perspective of the Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Virtual Education in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2022; 42:183-189. [PMID: 35185144 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored the perceived barriers and facilitators to participation in patients who did and did not attend virtual cardiac rehabilitation (CR) education sessions. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was used. Virtual patient education was delivered during the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Phase 1 included a cross-sectional online survey completed by individuals who did and did not participate in these sessions. For phase 2, six virtual focus group sessions were conducted using the social-ecological framework to guide thematic analysis and interpretation of findings. RESULTS Overall, 106 online surveys were completed; 60 (57%) attended Cardiac College Learn Online (CCLO) sessions only, one (1%) Women with Heart Online (WwHO) only, 21 (20%) attended both, and 24 (22%) did not attend virtual sessions. Half of the participants who attended virtual sessions viewed between one and four sessions. Most participants were from Canada (95%) and included the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute/Toronto Western Hospital centers (76%). Focus group findings revealed six overarching themes: Intrapersonal (mixed emotions/feelings; personal learning preferences); Interpersonal (desire for warmth of human contact and interaction); Institutional (the importance of external endorsement of sessions); and Environmental (technology; perceived facilitators and barriers). CONCLUSION These findings highlight the unprecedented situation that patients and CR programs are facing during the pandemic. Virtual patient education may be more accessible, convenient, and responsive to the complex needs of these CR participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Cotie
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program, KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Cotie, Ghisi, Vanzella, Oh, and Colella and Ms Aultman); Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Dr Oh), Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (Dr Colella), and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Dr Colella), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Wright SP, Sless RT, Mak S. Does increased arterial stiffness cause HFpEF in women? J Card Fail 2021; 28:212-214. [PMID: 34933098 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Wright
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Ryan T Sless
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susanna Mak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
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16
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Kemp KA, Norris CM, Steele B, Fairie P, Santana MJ. Sex Differences in the Care Experiences of Patients Hospitalized Due to Ischemic Heart Disease in Alberta, Canada. CJC Open 2021; 3:S36-S43. [PMID: 34993432 PMCID: PMC8712602 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with heart disease experience disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of their condition. However, it is unknown whether these sex differences exist with respect to in-hospital patient experience. We examined the comprehensive experience of patients hospitalized due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) across Alberta, Canada, according to sex. METHODS Patients completed a modified version of the Canadian Patient Experiences Survey-Inpatient Care (CPES-IC) within 6 weeks of discharge. We examined 37 questions, including 33 regarding specific care processes and 4 global rating scales. Survey responses were reported as raw "top-box" percentages, that is, the most-positive answer choice to each question. Odds and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of women reporting a top-box response were then calculated for each question, while controlling for demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS From April 2014 to March 2020, a total of 5795 surveys (1612 women, 4183 men) were completed. Taking the survey margin of error into account, women had lower top-box percentages on 26 of 37 questions. Similar results were obtained for the adjusted odds of reporting a top-box response. Women did not have a higher percentage of top-box responses on any of the questions studied. CONCLUSIONS This study is a Canadian first, which stratified the experiences of hospitalized patients living with ischemic heart disease according to sex. Our results highlighted important sex differences. Future research to understand the mechanisms associated with these observed sex differences in patient-reported experiences is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A. Kemp
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Patient Engagement Platform, Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colleen M. Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Cardiovascular Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian Steele
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Fairie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Patient Engagement Platform, Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria J. Santana
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Patient Engagement Platform, Alberta Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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17
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Parry M, Bjørnnes AK, Harrington M, Duong M, El Ali S, O’Hara A, Clarke H, Cooper L, Hart D, Harvey P, Lalloo C, McFetridge-Durdle J, McGillion MH, Norris C, Pilote L, Price J, Stinson J, Watt-Watson J. “Her Heart Matters”—Making Visible the Cardiac Pain Experiences of Women with Physical Disabilities and Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study. CJC Open 2021; 4:214-222. [PMID: 35198939 PMCID: PMC8843888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with physical disabilities are faced with challenges in many aspects of life—education, work, income, relationships, as well as their general health. These women are at a greater risk of developing heart disease. This study aimed to explore the cardiac pain experiences of women with physical disabilities and heart disease within a Canadian healthcare context. Methods In this qualitative study, 8 women with physical disabilities and heart disease from across Canada were interviewed. They were asked about their pre-, peri-, and post-diagnostic experiences in the Canadian healthcare system. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach inspired by Ricoeur. Results Two main themes were uncovered in the analysis of the transcripts, as follows: (i) the diagnostic journey; and (ii) life with cardiac symptoms and a disability. The women indicated that they had experienced difficulties in utilizing the Canadian healthcare system prior to receiving a cardiac diagnosis, including long waitlists, expensive and unreliable transport, issues with accessibility, and dealing with providers’ attitudinal barriers regarding disability. Receiving a diagnosis was challenging due to poor relationships with healthcare providers; however, having a same-sex provider seemed essential to receiving adequate care. Self-managing a disability and heart disease had significant physical and psychological impact, which was lightened by financial and social supports, modified lifestyle choices, and self-advocacy. Conclusions Women with physical disabilities are often forgotten in discussions encompassing equity and inclusion. The participants’ experiences offer insight into what changes are needed within the Canadian healthcare system in order to improve outcomes for these women.
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