BWHHS Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you doing this study?
Remarkably, there is relatively little epidemiological research into heart disease in women. Did you know that coronary heart disease (CHD) is responsible for the deaths of more than 40 000 women in the UK every year? This is more than breast cancer, a disease that many women are far more aware of. The BWHHS will allow us to look at the risk factors and treatment for CHD in older British women.
With our colleagues at the British Regional Heart Study we will be able to look at the differences in risk, treatment and survival between men and women. The study uses a cohort design, which means that we will continue to follow up the study participants. This tells us a great deal about how health, behaviours and medical interventions change over time. Mobility is also an important factor affecting our well being as we age, and this study is also looking at mobility and disability in our study participants. We hope that the results of the BWHHS will be used to inform women about how they can reduce their risk of CHD, and to improve treatment for women.
What have you found out?
Our findings have been reported in peer-reviewed scientific papers, details of which can be found here(internal link). Our research examines life course epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease, disability in older women, gender specific cardiovascular risk factors and prognostic indicators for cardiovascular disease.
Who funds the study?
We are funded by the British Heart Foundation and the UK Department of Health. We have funding to continue our research.Our earlier works was funded by the Stroke Association.
How can I find out more about heart disease?
The British Heart Foundation produced a useful leaflet on Women and Heart Disease. There are also some helpful sites listed on our links page. If you are worried about your health, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.
What can I do to reduce my risk of heart disease?
- If you smoke, then stop.
- Try doing at least 2 hours of moderate exercise weekly. This can be just 10 minutes walking.
- Ask your doctor about taking aspirin and a statin unless your doctor advise you not to for good reasons.
- Eat well – a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is beneficial for your general health.
