At the heart of the matter: Cardiovascular health challenges among incarcerated women

A human rights assessment of menopausal women's access to age- and gender-sensitive nondiscriminatory health care in prison

“…22 Women's experiences of menopausal symptoms were observed to be particularly uncomfortable within detention spaces. 34,38,40 Menopausal sequelae are all typically exacerbated by prison conditions (and by a lack of health support). 33,41 Common symptoms requiring both medical and general health-related supports in prisons included insomnia, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal bleeding, urinary incontinence, lower bone density, fatigue, and mood changes.…”

“…Menopausal sequelae are all typically exacerbated by prison conditions (and by a lack of health support) 33,41 . Common symptoms requiring both medical and general health-related supports in prisons included insomnia, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal bleeding, urinary incontinence, lower bone density, fatigue, and mood changes 33,34,36,40,41 . Global reviews/opinion pieces 33 and qualitative studies in the United States 40 reveal that the prison environment exacerbated menopausal symptoms pertaining to sufficient ventilation and access to outside air and space.…”

“…The final data set (n = 16) consisted of a broad range of methodologies based on consultations, prison inspections, and prescribing/chart data with qualitative studies using interviews with women in prison and healthcare providers (the United States, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand; n = 5) 39-43 ; mixed-method studies with women who experienced incarceration and healthcare providers (the United States, Canada; n = 3) 44-46 ; global reviews/opinion pieces (n = 2), 33,34 and US-based social legal reviews (n = 1) 35 and editorials (n = 3) 36-38 ; and secondary analysis of data (the United States, the United Kingdom; n = 2) 47,48 …”

“…It is vital that prison systems operate with skilled healthcare providers who are understanding and knowledgeable to address the unique health and often comorbid needs of menopausal women. 34,[37][38][39]41,42,44,46,47 Menopausal women have a right to access competent, qualified medical care in prison (Bangkok Rule 13; "Prison staff shall be made aware of times when women may feel particular distress, so as to be sensitive to their situation and ensure that the women are provided appropriate support." 22 Many reported on prison staff insensitivity toward menopausal women and the denial of care, the sanctioning of those unable to wear uniforms correctly, and including the lack of choice around the gender of the clinician treating them.…”

Multi‐disciplinary collaborative consensus guidance statement on the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular complications in patients with post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (PASC)

“…78 Multiple factors contribute to a higher risk of cardiac disease in incarcerated women because of more cardiovascular health challenges. 81 Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities. 82 After accounting for differences in racial identity and socioeconomic status, persons recently released from correctional facilities have a higher risk of being hospitalized and dying of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population.…”