Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 28: For years, heart disease has been widely perceived as a condition affecting mainly men. However, medical experts warn that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, often going undetected due to less obvious symptoms.
Unlike the classic signs of a Heart attack—such as severe chest pain radiating to the arm—women frequently experience subtler symptoms. These may include unusual fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, dizziness, or discomfort in the back, jaw, or chest. Because these signs appear mild or unrelated, many women delay seeking medical attention, increasing health risks.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that women often show less visible blockage in major heart arteries compared to men. Despite this, their risk of serious complications such as heart attack or hospitalisation remains nearly the same.
Experts explain that women are more prone to issues in smaller blood vessels, known as microvascular disease, which may not be easily detected in routine tests but can still significantly affect heart function. Hormonal factors also play a role, with reduced protection after menopause increasing vulnerability to heart conditions.
Certain risk factors, including diabetes, pregnancy-related complications such as high blood pressure, and stress, have a greater impact on women’s heart health.
Doctors emphasise that awareness and early detection are crucial. Women are advised not to ignore persistent fatigue, unexplained breathlessness, or unusual discomfort in the chest, jaw, or back, especially if symptoms occur suddenly or during exertion.
Preventive measures such as regular health check-ups, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing diabetes, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk.
Experts underline that while symptoms in women may differ, the danger is equally serious, making timely action and awareness essential for saving lives.