Only 15% of Mexicans admit that the symptoms of cardiovascular disease can be different for men and women

82% do not understand that gender is a cardiovascular risk factor

European Day for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Risks

Only 15% of Spaniards know that cardiovascular symptoms can be different in men and women

82% do not know that gender is a cardiovascular risk factor

The majority of Europeans surveyed consider recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain (78%) or shortness of breath (72%) as two of the most recognizable.However, 65% of Europeans and 85% of Spaniards do not know that heart attack symptoms can appear differently in men and women.This was announced by the European Cardiovascular Health Survey (1), carried out by Daiichi Sankyo Europe in 6 countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal), with the aim of examining the population's knowledge of problems related to cardiovascular health, such as signs of disease, risks, sources of information or keys to improve their quality of life.

The research collects more data showing the gender difference in the perception of cardiovascular health in Spain and Europe.Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for women in our country (2), and 74% of Spaniards are not aware of this, however(3).Furthermore, the research shows that only 18% of Spaniards consider gender to be a cardiovascular risk factor, a figure that is practically identical to the European average (17%)(1).Although there are specific risk factors linked to a woman's reproductive history (such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia) or early menopause)(4), only 14% of European respondents recognize them(1).

A European survey highlights aspects that show differences in knowledge between men and women, such as the perception of stress as a barrier to cardiovascular health.According to the survey, 60% of European women see it as a barrier to taking care of their cardiovascular health, compared to 51% of men (1).Moreover, male patients are more likely than female patients to be informed about cardiovascular events.about the risks (36% versus 29%) (1).

"There is a widespread perception that cardiovascular disease is mainly a problem for men, which leads to an underestimation of the risk in women and a delay in seeking treatment. The data from this European study highlight these differences in perception and we need to decisively address the gender gap," said Raquel Coca, Head of Sanchi Specialists in Spain."At Daiichi Sankyo, we are committed to finding solutions to reduce these disparities and move toward better cardiovascular health for all," said Raquel Koka.

Primary care is a reference, but we lack time to go to the doctor

According to the survey, 71% of Spaniards designate their primary care doctor as their main source of information on cardiovascular health.Specifically, 68% consider it their most reliable reference compared to other sources such as family (7%) or social networks (3%)(1).

European research emphasizes that after the onset of symptoms (1) almost 55% of cardiovascular patients wait weeks before consultation;a delay that can jeopardize early diagnosis and adequate treatment, since 80% of premature deaths due to cardiovascular diseases can be avoided (5).The main reason is the lack of perception of urgency (38%) and time (17%) (1).

In this sense there are also gender differences, as women take longer to consult their health professionals when symptoms occur.About 40% of female patients wait more than six weeks after an attack, compared to 28% of male patients (1).

Risk factors and barriers to care

The study showed that Hispanics associate cardiovascular risk mainly with body weight (69%) and other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or LDL cholesterol (58%).Cholesterol plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and is estimated to be involved in about 60% of cases, so knowing and controlling it is important to prevent events such as heart attack or stroke (6).

However, 72% cite lack of physical activity and inadequate diet as the main barrier to taking care of cardiovascular health, compared to 43% in Europe (1).In Spain, these barriers are compounded by a lack of time, as 27% admit that work and family responsibilities prevent them from going to the doctor.Meanwhile, in Europe, the most common barrier is the perception that symptoms are not urgent, perceived by 38% of respondents (1).

For its part,Adherence to treatment is not recognized as relevant;Only 17 percent of men and 16 percent of women surveyed identified it as an important issue.Adherence to treatment among patients with heart failure remains a challenge.44% were inadequate and 67.7% in the first year of heart failure were drug shortages (7.8).

Finally, the survey shows the role that digital devices can play in the care and self-care of cardiovascular health. In this sense, up to 46% of Spanish respondents consider digital apps and tools useful for self-care, compared to 35% in Europe, which shows a greater openness to technological solutions that facilitate tracking,monitor and improve behavior (1). At the European level, almost half of patients (46%) would be willing to use solutions based on artificial intelligence to support the management of their cardiovascular system (1).

Additional information about the survey:

- Universal: men and women, cardiovascular patients and the general public.Total response: 3,674 patients;4,906 inhabitants.

- Methodology: Online survey

- Regions: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal (patients and general population) and Spain (general population only).

(1) Daiichi Sankyo Europe.(2025, 8 from September).Heart Health: A European Survey of Public Perceptions of Cardiovascular Care.We care for every heartbeat.https://wecareforeveryheartbeat.com/heart-health-a-european-survey-on-public-perceptions-on-cardiovascular-care

(2) National Institute of Statistics (INE).Death statistics by cause of death.2024 data.https://www.ine.es/dyngs/INEbase/es/operacion.htm?c=Estadistica_C&cid=1254736176780&menu=ultiDatos&idp=1254735573175

(3) Jumuia ya kihispania ya cardiology.(2024, Machi 6).Asilimia 74 ya wahispania hawajui kwamba ugonzwa wa moyo na mishipa deo chanzo kiku cha wifo wa wanaweke [Pressrelease].https://secardiologia.es/comunicacion/notas-de-prensa/notas-de-prensa-sec/14885-el-74-de-los-espanoles-no-sabe-que-la-enfermedad-cardiovascular-es-la-primera-causa-de-muerteerende

(4) Caro, A. or Vea, N. (2023).Transition of Cardiovascular Health in Women.Spænska hjartalæknafélagið.https://secardiologia.es/blog/12450-transicion-de-la-salud-cardiovascular-en-la-mujer

(5) World Heart Federation.(2023) World Heart Report 2023. https://world-heart-federation.org/resource/world-heart-report-2023/

(6) Spanish Association of Cardiology.(2024).High cholesterol is responsible for 60% of heart disease.Available from https://secardiologia.es/comunicacion/notas-de-prensa/notas-de-prensa-sec/4340-cholesterol-elevado-es-responsible-60-de-enfermedades-corazon

(7) KardioAlianza.(2018, July).Statement of cardiovascular patients regarding therapy adherence.[Internet].July 2018 Available at: http://apps.who.int/healthinfo/statistics/mortality/whodpms/

(8) Moreno Munoz G, Rosillo Ramirez N, Velez Garcia J, Luis J, Sobrino B, Alacid IL et al.Determinants of medication adherence in patients with acute myocardial infarction.Rev Esp Cardiol.2023;76:93.

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