There will be a major Dutch study on cardiovascular disease in women. In our country, more women than men die from these diseases. In women, these diseases are more often missed and treatment still falls short. “Especially in women under the age of 60, not getting a diagnosis or getting one too late has a huge impact,” says professor Hester den Ruijter of the UMC Utrecht Medical Center.
Most Dutch university centers and researchers in the field are participating in the study. The scientists and doctors want to improve the diagnosis of heart problems in women. “Especially in women under 60, not making a diagnosis or making a diagnosis too late has a huge impact,” says Professor Den Ruijter. Together with Professor Eric Boersma of Erasmus MC, she is leading this research. “There has also been insufficient research into treatments for cardiovascular diseases that are more common in women. With this large study, we can take big steps toward better diagnosis and treatment for very many women.”
In many areas there is a lack of clarity about cardiovascular disease in women, which is why the research is very extensive and diverse. One of the studies is about the development of a digital decision aid, which will help general practitioners better determine which female, especially young patients with chest pain they should refer to the cardiologist.
The researchers are also developing a digital decision aid that will allow cardiologists to better determine whether or not women need cardiac catheterization. This will help detect coronary artery stenosis. Special measurements during a cardiac catheterization can reveal whether a patient has problems in the small vessels or vascular spasm. Because cardiac catheterizations are stressful, researchers are studying which less stressful scans can also identify these problems. The women examined in this study are also being asked to participate in a new drug trial to reduce heart problems.
The research group is committed to bringing the results of this study on women with cardiovascular disease into practice as soon as possible. The name of this research consortium is IMPRESS, and it is funded and supported by the Heart Foundation, NVVC, Harteraad, WCN and the NFU. They are part of the total of 15 research and healthcare organizations and funders that have joined forces in the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA). They work together and raise money to accelerate solutions for cardiovascular diseases.
