Women’s heart disease often looks different and may be missed, so awareness and early action are crucial, warns Dr Aravind Duruvasal, consultant interventional cardiologist at Prashanth Hospitals in Chennai. Certain risk factors — notably diabetes and pregnancy-related conditions — raise long-term cardiovascular risk for women more than for men, and mental health and stress appear to play a larger role in women’s heart health.
Diabetes is a major concern: it amplifies heart risk in women more strongly than in men. Likewise, high blood pressure during pregnancy and gestational diabetes (high blood sugar that develops in pregnancy) are not just short-term problems; they can increase the chance of heart disease later in life. Stress and poor mental health are additional contributors that deserve attention alongside traditional medical risks.
Women should not dismiss persistent tiredness, unexplained breathlessness, or discomfort in the chest, jaw or back — especially if these symptoms start suddenly or occur during physical activity. These signs can be subtler than the dramatic chest pain often portrayed in men, yet they may signal serious cardiac problems.
Prevention remains the most powerful tool. Regular health check-ups, tight control of blood pressure, cholesterol management, good diabetes care, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, balanced eating and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce heart disease risk. Small, consistent steps make a measurable difference.
The core message is simple: heart disease in women is real and sometimes atypical. Recognising warning signs early and taking preventive measures can save lives — listen to your body and seek medical advice without delay. (The writer, Dr Aravind Duruvasal, is a consultant interventional cardiologist at Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai)
Original Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2026/Mar/28/why-heart-disease-in-women-is-often-missed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-28 06:00:00
