Pakistani Women Face Highest Heart Disease Death Rate

Pakistani women bear the highest mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease among five South Asian nations, according to recent health expert analyses. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a lack of physical activity significantly elevate their risk. A study published in JACC: Asia in 2026 highlighted that Pakistan recorded the highest age-standardised death rate for women from this condition in 2021.

Cardiovascular risks in women are often overlooked due to misconceptions that heart disease predominantly affects men. Inadequate screening, particularly during pregnancy, after childbirth, and post-menopause, further exacerbates the issue. Experts emphasize the critical need for attention to women's heart health throughout their lives, including during and after pregnancy, and after menopause, stressing the importance of consistent medical consultation and adherence to prescribed treatments.

The 'Her Heart Matters' campaign, a collaborative initiative by PharmEvo and several prominent medical societies, aims to address these challenges. It focuses on enhancing screening, promoting awareness, and providing education for the early detection and timely treatment of cardiovascular risks. This campaign seeks to counter the growing burden of heart disease by advocating for stronger primary care, proper follow-up, and the continued use of medications to prevent complications and reduce pressure on specialized cardiac facilities.