Women living with heart failure deserve more from their care
Women truly care for all those around them. In fact, the CDC estimates that over two thirds of caregivers in the U.S. are women. But when it comes to managing heart failure, women–especially Black and Latina women—face significant challenges in getting the best care possible.
There is a critical need to address health equity and disparity issues for Black and Latina women with heart failure.
Hear Your Heart is a call-to-action for women with heart failure to prioritize their health. Our goal is to help these women feel confident in asking for the resources they need to feel their best while managing the condition and be their own heart success advocate.
Key challenges for women with heart failure:
- More women than men die of heart failure, despite an equal prevalence
- Healthcare providers are less likely to adhere to guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in women, leading to potential undertreatment
- Black or Latina patients with heart failure are less likely to be admitted to specialized cardiology units
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a chronic, debilitating condition that occurs when the heart is not pumping enough blood for a body’s needs. The condition affects more than six million people in the U.S., accounts for more than one million hospitalizations a year and can severely impact quality of life. As of 2019, heart disease, which includes heart failure, was the number one cause of death in the U.S.
The health disparities for women with heart failure highlight a clear unmet need that demands the attention of patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Together, we must do more.
It’s time to advocate for yourself and your care
So many women find it difficult to prioritize their own health. That’s why Tannie is encouraging women just like her to listen to what their heart needs, ask for support and take control of their heart failure care.
Heart Failure Care
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Cardiologist Dr. Alanna Morris answers some common questions about heart failure management and offers advice for women looking to take a more active role in their treatment.
Questions Answered
Making Heart Failure Care a Priority
Heart failure can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why we’re empowering women to put themselves first and get the support they need to better understand and manage their heart failure.
This quick fact sheet can help you prioritize your care with advice on making lifestyle changes, managing your mental health, finding the right care team, and ensuring other health conditions are managed accordingly.
