Heart disease doesn’t just affect older men — it can affect women of any age. Sadly, many women are not aware of this. According to a report, nearly 1 in 3 women will die of heart disease, and about 50% of women don’t know that it is the number one killer of women worldwide.
Dr. Suhas Hardas, a heart specialist in Pune, stresses the importance of awareness:
“Knowledge is power. Partner with your doctor and discuss your risk factors for heart disease.”
Why Women Should Take Heart Disease Seriously
One major challenge is that early symptoms in women are often subtle and can be easily dismissed. In fact, 2 out of 3 women who die from heart disease didn’t recognize their symptoms before it was too late. That’s why prevention and education are so important.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
If you notice any of the following, don’t ignore them:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Unusual tiredness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea
Even if these symptoms seem minor or unrelated, it’s always safer to get checked.
Know Your Risk Factors
Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
- Age
- Gender
- Family history (heredity)
- Race
- History of stroke
These are things you can’t change, but being aware of them can help you stay ahead.
Controllable Risk Factors:
These are the areas where you can take action:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Use of birth control pills
- Alcohol or illegal drug use
Dr. Hardas recommends focusing on these controllable risks early. For example, smoking not only harms your lungs, it also multiplies your risk of heart disease—especially when combined with other factors like high blood pressure.
How to Protect Your Heart: Simple Prevention Tips
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – low in saturated fat, high in fiber and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Quit smoking – this one habit can drastically reduce your risk.
- Manage stress – take time to relax and sleep well.
- Check your numbers – monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly.
- Talk to your doctor – ask about your personal risk and ways to lower it.
Blood Tests Recommended by Dr. Suhas Hardas for Monitoring Heart Health
Dr. Suhas Hardas, a renowned cardiologist, recommends the following blood tests to help monitor and maintain good heart health:
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) – To check total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
- Blood Sugar (Fasting Glucose and HbA1c) – To monitor blood sugar levels and detect diabetes early.
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) – To measure inflammation in the body.
- Homocysteine Test – Elevated levels can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP or NT-proBNP) – Useful for identifying early signs of heart failure.
- Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH) – Because thyroid imbalances can impact heart rhythm and cholesterol.
- Creatinine and eGFR (Kidney Function Test) – Since poor kidney health is linked with higher cardiovascular risk.
“Regular testing and early detection can save lives. Heart health is best protected through awareness, prevention, and timely medical care,” says Dr. Hardas.
If you have any existing risk factors or symptoms, speak with your doctor about getting these tests done regularly.
Heart disease may be silent, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can take control and protect your health. Don’t wait for symptoms — start making heart-healthy choices today.
