According to a new study from France, women are getting misdiagnosed or are going untreated for causes of heart disease and strokes because they are well dressed and look healthy.

According to a new study from France, women are more frequently misdiagnosed or slow to be treated for symptoms of heart disease and strokes because they are well dressed and look healthy.

The study focused on 15 thousand patient subjects in France.

Women who participated in the study were half as likely, compared with men, to be treated for a leading cause of heart problems.

Women under 70 were 56 percent less likely to be treated for atrial fibrillation, which is one of the top causes of strokes.

The lead study researcher noted: “I think doctors - GPs and cardiologists - often do not realize the risk for women. Too often they will think if a female patient looks healthy, and dresses smartly, and looks after herself, she is probably okay.”

Women over 75 were also reportedly under-prescribed drugs to treat atrial fibrillation by 30 percent compared to men the same age.

European guidelines are in place for handling patient care, and Dr. Sabouret believes more medical professionals need to follow them to prevent the delayed or misdiagnosis of women.

What do you think? Why are women being treated less for heart conditions?