The hearts of men and women work differently, new research shows

Claudia Keech was overcome with pain in her arms that was so severe she couldn't speak. Key points: Research shows there are differences between the male and female heart Women have greater blood flow to their heart muscle and greater space between their heart muscle cells Researchers believe the findings may explain differences in how heart disease presents in men and women "It's that female thing, we're trying to cope when you really shouldn't be," she said. The University of Sydney cardiac imaging specialist and his team have studied how male and female hearts function differently, and will present the findings at the Heart Foundation's Women and Heart Disease Forum tomorrow. "It's an opportunity for us to bring together all the experts to talk about the unique characteristics of heart disease in women," she said. Facts on cardiovascular disease among Australian women Over half a million Australian women have cardiovascular disease It accounts for almost one-third of deaths among women In 2016, 22,200 women died of cardiovascular disease Between 2001 and 2016, rates of cardiovascular disease fell by 57 per cent From 2006 to 2016, hospitalisation rates rose 11 per cent for women aged 25-34 They rose 4.7 per cent for women aged 35-44 "It's very confronting to have a physio going 'come on you can do it' because you can't, you can't walk three steps.