A new study is drawing attention to the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s new report reveals that 40 per cent of Canadians do not realize that those issues are the leading cause of premature death in women.

Cardiologist Dr. Sue Fagan says that in addition to the usual factors such as hypertension and diabetes, women are at a higher risk because things like pregnancy and menopause can increase cardiovascular risks.

She says for years women have been under-represented in studies of heart and brain health, with most of the studies involving men, though this has been improving in recent years.

Fagan points to the presentation of symptoms as a reason why not as much attention is put on women’s health.

As an example, she says in 50 per cent of women who have a heart attack, their symptoms go unrecognized.

Fagan says symptoms in women could include uncomfortable sensations in the back, upper abdominal discomfort. she says they often are dismissed or not given same attention as, for example, chest pain.