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SmallerHistorically, medical researchers have chosen men for studies, especially in cardiovascular-related research, says Debra Siela, a Ball State assistant professor of nursing.
Possible complications with women's health, particularly in their childbearing years, has long been attributed to the lack of female involvement in medical research. But all this is beginning to change, Siela said.
"We're finally understanding the importance of recognizing that men and women often experience pain and other symptoms related to serious diseases very differently," Siela said, "For example, men have traditionally described heart attack symptoms as heavy, weighted pain in the chest area. In contrast, women tend to describe the pain as sharp and quick."
Such differences seem arbitrary, but Siela adds that such contradictions, if effectively realized by healthcare professionals, may lead to more efficient and accurate treatment of often deadly diseases.
The gender differences sparked Siela's curiosity. Currently completing her doctoral dissertation while also serving full-time on the nursing faculty, she has conducted two small pilot studies exploring the different ways in which men and women experience respiratory complications. She emphasizes that her research is still in the initial stages.
The potential findings could greatly benefit doctors and nurses trying to treat diseases and ultimately the patients they care for, Siela said.
"When individuals are admitted into the emergency room, health care workers need to be aware of the very different symptoms men and women may experience when describing the same problem. To overlook a symptom that doesn't match up with what we consider the traditional' response could be very threatening to a patient's health," she said.
Siela adds that further research into possible gender differences related to various diseases could not only aid in patients' overall treatment, but in understanding the importance of researching both genders.
