Too many women still mistakenly believe that breast cancer is the greatest threat to their health while in reality it is heart disease. One in 3 women die of heart disease or stroke each year. As a result, they are not looking for the symptoms of heart disease such as chest discomfort (the main symptom), shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. They may miss or dismiss these symptoms, delaying or not seeking medical help, potentially putting them at serious risk. Moreover, women continue to be under informed, under- diagnosed, under-treated and under-researched.
Heart disease is largely preventable by modifying and reducing risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, physical inactivity, avoiding diabetes, smoking and poor nutrition. Since launching the WHHI in 2009, patient enrolment has far surpassed initial projections and the positive health benefits we have seen in the women that have been treated are impressive and extremely promising.
As we celebrate our 10th year at the WHHI we can see what a difference we have made in many women’s lives and we know our work is not done. We all have a role to play in spreading the word and educating our friends, family and colleagues so they can prevent this disease. Sharing the information you read on this website, encouraging them to become more informed or seek professional help could improve or even save a woman’s life. By making a donation, you can help us make an even more tangible difference in reducing the risk of heart disease in women. This effort remains funding solely by private donations. You can make a difference. Thank you for your vital and invaluable support!
Wendy Wray,
RN, BScN, MScN, Director WHHI
Wendy is a Fellow, and was the founder and past co-chair of the Montreal Chapter of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association. She is a member of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance Advocacy Working Group, and is also the recipient of the 2017 Sara Louise King award for Cardiology Research, the Senate of Canada 150 Bronze Medal and the 2017 MUHC Foundation Healthcare Professional of the Year Award.
