Knowledge among physicians of the main cause of death in women

Abstract

Background: There is a misconception that the main cause of death among women is breast cancer, even among physicians, who may neglect cardiovascular preventive measures in this gender. Aim: To assess the knowledge among physicians about the main cause of death among women. Material and methods: A survey was answered by 231 physicians attending a Cardiology and a Gynecology Meeting. Results: Sixty eight percent of respondents indicated that cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death among women. A higher proportion of specialists than trainees, answered correctly the question (72 and 56% respectively). No gender differences in the answers were recorded. Conclusions: The knowledge about cardiovascular risk in women should be reinforced among physicians.