Making women’s hearts beat longer.
We imagine a world where misdiagnosis is a thing of past …
Where women have full access and autonomy over their health. Where medical diagnoses are attuned to the nuances of sex and gender differences. Where 80% of heart diseases and strokes are prevented because they were caught in time.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Women with CVD continue to be under-diagnosed and under-treated due to misconceptions and lack of awareness among both patients and doctors. Young women are more likely to die following a heart attack than young men. (source: World Heart Foundation)
We want to help you help yourself and your loved ones catch the early warnings, empower you when you consult with your doctor. And keep that heart beating.
Featured in the 2022 ZDF documentary
“Equal and Fair: How the world fits everyone”
Our mission comes from knowing what it’s like to lose someone. One moment it was a stomach flu, and the next moment, she was gone.
When Petronela lost the mom to a misdiagnosis - and realised that it could have been prevented - she decided that she would do what she could to stop this from happening to other people’s mothers, aunties, daughters, sisters and friends. Tragedy became action, and CorDiFio was born.
CorDiFio means “Heart of Fio”.
Cordifio is a Swiss-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering women (and men) through early screening, education and prevention of heart disease.
We do this by developing a digital health platform that empowers women to have informed conversations with their doctors and accelerate the decision making process. This is a global endeavor for all to advance health equity through diversity and inclusion.
the #1 killer of women
is heart disease
1 out of every 3 deaths each year is due to heart disease. And 13x as many women die of heart disease than of breast cancer.
50% of women who get a heart attack will be misdiagnosed.
Following a heart attack, women tend to get misdiagnosed with stress or anxiety.
30-50% of women diagnosed with depression are misdiagnosed.
Anxiety in women may mask heart disease symptoms.
Making your health a visible priority.
We know the risk factors. We know the gender-specific nuances.
Driven by impact
Our core emphasis is on advancing health equity for women and minorities by taking into account sex and gender-centric considerations. We work to achieve the Sustainability Development Goals.
“My heart attack was missed because my symptoms were atypical. But when so many women worldwide present almost the same symptoms, you can no longer address them as ‘atypical’! Therefore, everyone should be aware of these (very typical) symptoms. It saves lives!”
Maxine, survivor of a heart attack after misdiagnosis
“The most beautiful thing, in my opinion, is to act - we as women - to help them all over the world, improving their health by fighting ignorance. Act for all humans, wherever they are.”
Xenia, survivor of heart attack
“I am so grateful for the initiative Cordifio is taking towards saving women's lives. Their efforts have a global impact. Because the disparities for women's health are so broad, it is necessary for us to educate and advocate for ourselves. Cordifio is poised to provide a service that not only can bridge that gap, but also foster sustainable overall wellbeing and more meaningful conversations between patient and medical providers. This is the future of health care.”
Julie, survivor of SCAD heart attack after misdiagnosis
What Women Are Saying
What Women Are Saying
“The most beautiful thing, in my opinion, is to act - we as women - to help them all over the world, improving their health by fighting ignorance. Act for all humans, wherever they are..”
— Xenia, survivor of a heart attack
“"I am so grateful for the initiative Cordifio is taking towards saving women's lives. Their efforts have a global impact. Because the disparities for women's health are so broad, it is necessary for us to educate and advocate for ourselves. Cordifio is poised to provide a service that not only can bridge that gap, but also foster sustainable overall wellbeing and more meaningful conversations between patient and medical providers. This is the future of health care..”
— Julie, survivor of a SCAD heart attack, after misdiagnoses
“My heart attack was missed because my symptoms were atypical. But when so many women worldwide present almost the same symptoms, you can no longer address them as ‘atypical’! Therefore, everyone should be aware of these (very typical) symptoms. It saves lives!.”
— Maxine, survivor of a heart attack after misdiagnosis
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We appreciate your support with making women’s hearts beat longer. We would be delighted if you would join and become early supporters to make this a reality.