This International Women's Day, a local hospital trust is appealing for more women to get involved with medical research to help improve future female healthcare.

Today (March 8) marks International Women's Day and consultant cardiologist at Frimley Health, Lydia Sturridge, is spotlighting a crucial area where female involvement is not just wanted but needed.

It is hoped that more women becoming involved in crucial research will help pave the way for better treatments.

Lydia said: “In 2024, it’s critical that our research studies mirror the diverse tapestry of the UK population. Unfortunately, women are significantly underrepresented, which is a gap we must fill."

Women’s health issues, especially in cardiology, have historically been overshadowed, despite women being equally at risk. For example, conditions like pre-eclampsia cause high blood pressure during pregnancy, and breast cancer treatments may increase cardiac risks.

Post-menopausal women face a heightened risk of stress cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle. Lydia said: “Menopause sees a reduction of oestrogen and significant cardiovascular changes, underscoring the need for more targeted research."

Understanding how women respond differently to medications and treatments can evolve and improve medical guidelines, ensuring more effective management of conditions like hypertension. Research has shown the necessity for distinct treatment approaches for women, especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

However, Lydia notes a challenge: “Many women are keen on contributing to research but often feel they lack the time due to their caregiving roles.

"We must innovate to make participation more accessible, perhaps through flexible scheduling or improved transportation options.

"We need to go the extra mile to make participation easier for them. Understanding the barriers women face is the first step towards crafting solutions that encourage their involvement.”

Lydia is the principal investigator for the British trial at Frimley Health, which focuses on identifying patients who could benefit from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to prevent abnormal heart rhythms and potential cardiac arrest.

Despite the trial’s inclusive efforts, no women have participated yet. “As a woman in cardiology, I am determined to change this narrative. We need more women in cardiology and more women in cardiac trials.”

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust supports a broad range of clinical research, conducting studies and trials at its hospital sites.

The Trust provides NHS hospital services for people across four counties, having seen to 248,000 people attending the Emergency Departments in 2023.

Every day, staff perform hundreds of medical procedures. Each treatment, assessment or operation has its roots in research, with further investment helping the trust face future healthcare challenges.

For more information and to get involved visit fhft.nhs.uk/services/research-innovation