The silent threat: Women and heart disease in India

It is a common misconception that heart disease is a “man’s problem”. The focus of research, prevention, and treatment efforts also has primarily been on men. Studies and data from recent years have revealed that women in India are also at significant risk of heart disease. This may be a surprise for many, but heart disease is increasingly becoming a leading cause of death among women in India. So, it is time to shed light on this silent threat.

Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses several conditions. The conditions most people know about are coronary artery disease and heart attacks, which is the formation of blockages in the arteries of the heart, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to part of the heart muscle. Other heart diseases include, heart failure, wherein the heart muscle becomes weak, and arrhythmias, which are heart rhythm abnormalities.

In India, heart disease is responsible for approximately 25% of all deaths, and women account for a significant portion of these deaths. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in India, accounting for almost 18% of all female deaths.

There are several factors that contribute to the increased risk of heart disease in women in India. One key factor is the high prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes among women. The prevalence of diabetes in particular, appears to be higher in Indian women compared to women in other countries (approximately 12% versus the global average of 9% according to the Demographic and Health Surveys Program and International Diabetes Federation). It is important to note that diabetes is a complex condition influenced by various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.