Women are less likely than men to be given treatment for a potentially fatal heart condition, according to a new analysis.
Researchers found women are 11% less likely to be referred to a hospital specialist after a diagnosis of the heart valve disease aortic stenosis.
Academics said the findings show “inequities in management and care of this common and serious condition” after they also found differences in care among south Asian and black patients as well as those from poorer backgrounds.
Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve or the area immediately around it, leads to obstruction of the blood flow from the heart, which leads to symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and breathlessness.
The condition is more common in elderly people.
It is not possible to reverse but treatments can include a…