Women and heart disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in India, but this problem is often ignored. According to the Indian Heart Association, women are more likely to die from heart disease than men, a risk that increases after menopause. Unique physiological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors significantly influence women. This is why there is a need for more awareness, prevention and treatment to tackle this challenge.

Symptoms of heart disease in women
Professor Dr Shibba Takkar Chhabra, cardiologist at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, said, “Symptoms of heart attack in women often differ from those in men, making diagnosis more challenging. “While men usually experience chest pain during a heart attack, women may experience minor symptoms such as fatigue.” Trouble breathing, nausea, or jaw, back, or neck.”

“These unusual symptoms often cause delays in treatment in women because they are often mistaken for less serious health problems,” said Dr. Chhabra. If we identify these gender specific symptoms at the right time, timely diagnosis and prevention will be possible.

Effect of hormones on heart health
Estrogen, a hormone that plays a protective role in women's heart health, also helps maintain flexible arteries and promotes good cholesterol. However, as women age and enter menopause, estrogen levels decrease significantly, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Studies show that women are more likely to develop conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol after menopause. Additionally, women who experience pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia are more likely to develop heart disease later in life.

How should women protect themselves?
Prevention of heart disease in women requires a holistic approach that addresses both traditional risk factors and symptoms specific to women. A heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet low in saturated fat and sugar, regular physical activity, and abstinence from tobacco use, can significantly reduce the risk. In addition, regular checkups should be done to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, especially important for post-menopausal women.

Women with a history of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia should be especially careful about their heart health. Early detection and management of risk factors is important to prevent heart disease in women. Furthermore, public health initiatives for awareness are very important, especially for women in rural areas. We can reduce heart disease in women by spreading awareness about its symptoms and prevention.