Grant: Chair: Women Heart/Brain Health - Ind. Women's Heart/Brain Htlh (Early Career)

Heart disease and stroke are increasing in women, especially Indigenous women. An alarming 20% of women experience signs of future heart disease and stroke by age 40 years. Among Indigenous populations, heart disease and stroke are a growing health crisis with as much as 2.5 times greater mortality and morbidity. Recognition and progression of heart disease and stroke among women continues to be poor and develpment among Indigenous populations may be unique. Physical risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as cholesterol, blood sugar and obesity, and changes in formones, muscle and inflammation account for part of the increased risks among Indigenous populations; however, more attendion to social and cultural factors is sorely needed. Understanding heart disease and stroke development among women has been limited to women 40 years and older, with very limited focus on Indigenous women or the contributions of social and cultural factors. Studying the importance of social and cultural factors on heart disease risk factors among Indigenous women will contribute to greater recognition and prevention of heart disease and stroke for Indigenous women.