250 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he proposes to take in view of the fact that the medical profession often fails to diagnose chest pain as being cardiac related in female patients, according to the medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation. [22255/99]
I have had inquiries made of the Irish Heart Foundation concerning this matter. In studies performed in the USA, it was observed that women underestimate their risk of heart disease. These studies also showed that the chest pains experienced by women with heart disease are less clear cut than those of men, which makes it more difficult to interpret if their pain is heart related. No such studies have been carried out in Ireland and the observations of the Irish Heart Foundation relate specifically to the USA and the findings contained in the aforementioned studies.
Given the lack of awareness concerning women's heart disease highlighted in the American studies, the Irish Heart Foundation has set up a council specifically to address the issues of heart disease in Irish women.
