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Heart disease is responsible for about one-fourth of all deaths in India, and a fair share of these are caused by deaths occurring among women
Many women prioritize their roles as caregivers for their families, often neglecting their own health needs to care for others.
Stereotypically believed that the cardiovascular diseases are more prominent in men than in women, on the contrary, it must be noted that out of 16 women, 1 has “coronary heart disease”. Research, prevention, and treatment for the last many years have been concentrated mainly on men. However, recent research and statistics have revealed that women in India are at just an equal risk of heart diseases. Despite many advancements in medical science, women in India find it immensely difficult to get diagnosed and treated for cardiovascular diseases leading to alarming rates of under-diagnosis and under-treatment. Dr Anjan Siotia , Director of Cardiology, BM Birla Heart Hospital shares all you need to know:
The term heart disease is a general designation that includes several conditions. Most people know of coronary artery disease and heart attacks, which result from the formation of blockages in the arteries of the heart that reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to some area of the heart muscle. Other types of heart diseases are heart failure, in which the muscle of the heart becomes weak, and arrhythmias, which heart rythm abnormalities. Common heart disease risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, excess weight, lack of physical activity, diabetes, and family history of heart disease.
Heart disease is responsible for about one-fourth of all deaths in India, and a fair share of these are caused by deaths occurring among women. A Global Burden of Disease Study shows that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in India and shares around 18% of all female deaths in India. The mortality rate due to heart disease among Indian women is much higher than breast cancer mortality and that from all cancers combined. The prevalence of coronary artery disease in Indian women is estimated to range from 3% to 13%, depending on age group, said a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology-and over a period of two decades there has been almost a 300% increase.
Women and men with heart disease often show differences in their symptoms, access to diagnostic tests and treatments, and overall outcomes. Women may experience more unusual symptoms compared to men, including back pain, chest burning, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue, which can complicate diagnosis. Additionally, women are less likely to seek medical attention and often arrive later in the progression of their illness. They also tend to receive fewer appropriate tests, like coronary angiography, and this late presentation can hinder the timely initiation of effective treatment.
With aging, the risk of heart disease increases in women. On an average, women have heart attack symptoms appear ten years later than men. It has been noted that postmenopausal women present with heart problems such as cardiomyopathy in which the heart muscles become very weak and such can happen when there are no blockages in the arteries. This condition often referred to as heart failure can become fatal if left untreated.
India also faces the disadvantage of limited awareness and knowledge to treat heart diseases in women as they present subtle symptoms in most cases and diagnosis occurs very late with a more grave outcome. Moreover, societal norms and cultural beliefs can often prevent women from seeking prompt medical care or openly discussing their health issues, which contributes to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of heart disease in women. Many women prioritize their roles as caregivers for their families, often neglecting their own health needs to care for others.
The focus on reducing the incidence of heart disease in women in India must remain holistic, embracing awareness-enhancing programs, lifestyle changes, risk factor management, the feelings of being marginalized, access to healthcare, empowerment, and research. This can empower women to take charge of their cardiovascular health for lower heart disease burden, and better health and well-being.
