Heart health is a significant concern in India, with cardiovascular diseases causing a considerable number of deaths each year.
On 29 September, we observe World Heart Day, providing an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we can manage cardiovascular diseases and minimize their impact on everyone’s well-being. This year’s theme for World Heart Day emphasizes cardiovascular health for all, especially given that over 75% of coronary artery disease (CAD) deaths occur in low to middle-income countries, affecting both men and women, including a growing number of young people.
Effective awareness and control of risk factors play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. Contrary to common belief, heart diseases are not exclusive to men; in fact, more women worldwide die from heart diseases than men. Shockingly, 1 in 3 deaths in women is attributed to CAD, and women face a risk 13 times higher of dying from CAD than from breast cancer. It’s essential to recognize that heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest, a fact that many people are unaware of.
Factors contributing to heart diseases in women:
Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of heart diseases in women, including a lack of awareness and, at times, atypical disease presentation. Common risk factors for heart disease in women include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, emotional stress, pregnancy-related risks, and the use of oral contraceptives combined with smoking. Women may experience atypical heart-related symptoms, making it challenging for them to receive accurate diagnoses, often leading to their concerns being dismissed as anxiety. Symptoms of a heart attack in women may differ from the classic retrosternal chest heaviness and pain, presenting as gastritis or indigestion-like complaints, pain in the shoulders/upper back/upper abdomen, palpitations, shortness of breath, restlessness, fatigue, or a general feeling of unwellness.
Unfortunately, women are underrepresented in clinical trials, and insufficient awareness exists among female patients and their doctors regarding gender-specific symptoms and presentations of CAD, resulting in adverse outcomes for women. Preventing heart disease in the Indian context involves adopting a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding fried and processed foods, and incorporating fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical exercises, avoiding tobacco and smoking, managing stress through practices like yoga and meditation, and keeping blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control are essential measures.
Psychological stress, prevalent in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks. Individual heart health can be maximized by incorporating regular exercise, meditation, and ensuring good sleep. Following medical advice and taking prescribed medications is equally crucial. Are these preventable? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a substantial 80% of heart attacks are preventable.
Urgent efforts are needed to enhance understanding of CAD in women among healthcare professionals and the general public in India. The more knowledge we have about heart disease in women, the better chance we have of effectively
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