By Dr Nadia Goolam Amod, Senior Medical Officer, PPS Life Solutions
Cardiovascular disease is a silent epidemic affecting women worldwide. Despite misconceptions, it is the leading cause of death for women, claiming more lives each year than all cancers combined. While much attention has historically been directed towards male cardiovascular health, the unique challenges and risks faced by women have often been overlooked. Professional Provident Society (PPS) Life Solutions, a financial services company focused on providing intelligent financial solutions for graduate professionals wants to shed light on this critical issue and empower women to take control of their heart health.
Understanding the Reality
Cardiovascular disease encompasses various conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Notably, ischaemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), refers to heart issues resulting from narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This condition stands out as a significant threat to women’s health. Alarmingly, women with ischaemic heart disease face a heightened risk of mortality from acute heart attacks compared to men of a similar age1.
Compounding this issue is the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. Misconceptions persist among both patients and healthcare professionals, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. Studies reveal that young women are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing adverse outcomes following a heart attack due to delayed recognition and treatment.
Recognising Unique Risk Factors
Heart disease risk factors for women extend beyond traditional factors and encompass a range of biological, social, and lifestyle influences:
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more susceptible to heart disease than men with diabetes, with the added risk of silent heart attacks due to altered pain perception.
- Emotional Stress and depression: Stress and depression disproportionately affect women and therefore increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as impacting lifestyle choices and treatment adherence2.
- Smoking: Smoking poses a greater risk factor for heart disease in women compared to men3.
- Inactivity: Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of heart disease among women.
- Menopause: Decreased oestrogen levels post-menopause elevates the risk of heart disease, particularly in smaller blood vessels.
- Pregnancy complications: Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy heighten the long-term risk of heart disease for women.
- Inflammation diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may elevate the risk of heart disease in both men and women.
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A Call to Action
Efforts to address the gender disparity in cardiovascular health are gaining momentum. Initiatives like The Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign are driving awareness, research, and support for female-specific cardiovascular issues.
In regions like Africa, where women are underrepresented in research and leadership roles, progress is being made through advocacy and networking. Increasing female representation in healthcare leadership is crucial for addressing disparities in research and healthcare delivery.
Empowering Women Through Education and Advocacy
Education is key to empowering women to prioritise their heart health. By recognising symptoms beyond traditional chest pain, women can advocate for themselves and seek timely medical attention. Additionally, debunking myths surrounding cardiovascular disease is essential, such as the misconception that it only affects older individuals or that being physically fit eliminates all risk factors.
Emphasising Prevention and Early Intervention
Prevention is paramount in combating cardiovascular disease. Regular health check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and early detection of risk factors are critical steps in reducing the burden of disease. Initiating secondary prevention measures early can help slow or halt the progression of cardiovascular conditions, preserving heart function and improving outcomes.
As we strive towards a future where cardiovascular disease no longer claims countless lives, we must prioritise women’s heart health. By dispelling myths, advocating for gender-inclusive research and healthcare, and promoting prevention and early intervention, we can save lives and ensure a healthier future for women worldwide. Let us stand together, armed with knowledge and determination, to shatter the barriers to female cardiovascular health to ensure a heart-healthy tomorrow.
1. Mitsuaki Sawano, Yuan Lu, César Caraballo, Shiwani Mahajan, Rachel Dreyer, Judith H. Lichtman, Gail D’Onofrio, Erica Spatz, Rohan Khera, Oyere Onuma, Karthik Murugiah, John A. Spertus, Harlan M. Krumholz. Sex Difference in Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Volume 81, Issue 18, 2023, Pages 1797-1806, ISSN 0735-1097, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.03.383. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723050234)
2. Yang HJ, Koh E, Kang Y. Susceptibility of Women to Cardiovascular Disease and the Prevention Potential of Mind-Body Intervention by Changes in Neural Circuits and Cardiovascular Physiology. Biomolecules. 2021 May 10;11(5):708. doi: 10.3390/biom11050708. PMID: 34068722; PMCID: PMC8151888.
3. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/risk-factors/smoking-and-heart-disease#:~:text=It%20may%20surprise%20you%20to,off%2011%20to%2012%20years.