It’s been over a century since the celebration of the first International Women’s Day, and yet, the imperative for inclusive empowerment persists. Today, as we commemorate the strides made towards gender equality, there’s an urgent call to prioritise women’s health, particularly cardiovascular wellness.

Alarmingly, cardiovascular diseases, which have been identified as a man’s disease, are now also the leading cause of death among women globally. The numbers are exceptionally high in India, accounting for 40% of all female deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Despite advancements, women continue to face disparities, necessitating immediate attention to gender-specific risk factors and formulating effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.

Unveiling the Risk Factors

Women face a myriad of risk factors impacting cardiovascular health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, perimenopause and early menopause heighten the risk of coronary heart disease among young women. Gender-specific risks like polycystic ovary syndrome, preterm delivery, and pregnancy-related complications are often overlooked in primary healthcare and cardiovascular assessments, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Addressing gender-specific symptomatology is imperative for effective disease management and improved patient outcomes.

Decoding Gender-Specific Symptoms

Cardiovascular diseases in women are often misdiagnosed due to the belief that heart conditions predominantly affect men, resulting in delayed prognosis and poor treatment outcomes. Understanding that women may not exhibit the same symptoms as men is essential. Yet, there is insufficient data to comprehend these symptoms fully. Early this year, at the Shakti Conclave 2.0, hosted in collaboration with STEMI and Women in Cardiology and Related Sciences (WINCARS), leading cardiologists emphasized the need to address gender disparities in heart disease awareness, particularly regarding atypical symptoms. Any signs of breathlessness, fatigue, or pain should prompt immediate testing. While younger women may experience pain less frequently than men, this changes with age, along with increased incidences of fatigue and insomnia. Addressing these gender-specific differences requires an inclusive approach, empowering women to adopt proactive healthcare practices.

Empowering Women’s Heart Health

A study by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with McKinsey Health Institute reveals closing the gender health gap presents a $1 trillion opportunity for global improvement. Despite challenges like familial duties and limited access to medical care, empowering women with heart health knowledge is increasingly feasible. Awareness emerges as a powerful tool, offering women vital information, resources, and meaningful discussions with healthcare providers to facilitate early diagnosis, management, and effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

While associations such as WINCARS and STEMI catalyse change in women’s cardiac health, patient support programs such as Shakti and Jeet craft narratives through on-ground events and social media activations. Technology also plays a pivotal part in offering platforms for disease management. Digital therapeutics and traditional treatment methods slow disease progression and foster faster recovery through systematic behavioural changes.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s paramount to delve into the intricacies of women’s heart health, challenge entrenched stereotypes, and advocate for gender-specific prevention and treatment. Let’s prioritize women’s cardiac health and partner with healthcare professionals, organizations, and technology to empower women in their fight against heart diseases, paving the way for healthier lives.

This article was first published in The Financial Express, on International Womens Day, 8^th March 2024.