Women and heart disease: A silent epidemic

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. For women, heart disease presents an even graver risk, often remaining unrecognised and even underdiagnosed. Despite the significant advancements in healthcare, there remains a dangerous misconception that heart disease is primarily a “man’s issue.” In reality, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, accounting for one-third of all female deaths worldwide. As we observe World Heart Day, it's critical to highlight the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart diseases — both in prevention and treatment. This article aims to raise awareness about the gender disparities in cardiovascular care and advocate for more proactive heart health management in women, says an article by Hina Inam, a consultant at the cardiothoracic surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital.