Women and Heart Disease: The "Hidden" Crisis

medivisoroffice
Jun 26
3 min read

When we think of heart attacks, we often imagine an older man clutching his chest. But the truth is far more alarming — heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, including in India.

Yet it remains under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated in women. This is the hidden crisis we need to talk about — loudly and urgently.

Why Is This a "Hidden" Crisis?

Because for decades, heart disease was studied, diagnosed, and treated mainly based on male patients. As a result:

Women's symptoms are often misunderstood.
Many women don’t know they’re at risk.
Health systems don’t always prioritize gender-specific screening or care.

In fact, more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined — yet awareness remains low.

The Warning Signs in Women Are Different

While men often experience classic chest pain, women’s symptoms are often more subtle:

Unexplained fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Back, neck, jaw, or stomach pain
Lightheadedness or anxiety
Sweating without exertion

These signs are easy to ignore or blame on stress, especially for busy mothers, caregivers, and working women.

Why Are Women at Risk?

Women face unique biological and social factors that affect heart health:

Hormonal changes: After menopause, estrogen levels drop — removing a natural protection for the heart.
Pregnancy complications: Conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes raise future heart risk.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis — more common in women — increase cardiovascular risk.
Undiagnosed high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol.
Stress and multitasking burden: Emotional strain also impacts cardiovascular health in women more deeply.

Diagnosis Delay = Higher Risk

Because of atypical symptoms, many women are diagnosed late — often after major heart damage. They may be:

Misdiagnosed with anxiety or indigestion
Sent home without further testing
Not referred for angiography or cardiac procedures

This leads to poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates compared to men.

What Can Be Done: Prevention and Treatment

1. Know Your Numbers

Track:

Blood pressure
Blood sugar
Cholesterol
Body weight

2. Prioritize Heart-Friendly Habits

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Quit smoking.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.
Get regular sleep and manage stress.

3. Ask for Heart Tests

If you have risk factors, ask your doctor for an ECG, echo, or treadmill test — even if you “feel fine.”

4. Don’t Ignore Symptoms

Any persistent fatigue, breathlessness, or chest discomfort — especially if you have risk factors — must be evaluated immediately.

5. Access to Timely Surgery

Women with blocked arteries or valve issues benefit equally from:

Angioplasty and stents
Bypass surgery (CABG)
Valve replacements

Minimally invasive heart surgeries are also becoming more accessible, reducing fear and recovery time.

The Role of NGOs and Health Workers

NGOs and women’s health advocates can bridge the awareness gap by:

Organizing community screenings
Offering heart health education for women in rural areas
Connecting patients to affordable cardiac treatment in partner hospitals

Final Thought: Her Heart Can’t Wait

Your mother, sister, daughter, friend — they all deserve to know that heart disease is not just a man’s problem. The signs may be quiet, but the impact is loud.

It’s time we say it loud and clear:

Women’s hearts matter. Her symptoms are real. Her care should be equal.