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Women's Heart Health Shield Breaking Down
2 Mar
Summary
- Cardiac procedures for women increased by nearly 20% in two years.
- Young women aged 20-40 are undergoing cardiac procedures.
- Atypical heart attack symptoms in women often lead to delayed diagnosis.
Medical understanding that heart disease primarily affects men and that women possess a natural oestrogen-related shield is being challenged by new data. Cardiac procedures among women at Sion Hospital surged by nearly 20% between 2023 and 2025, with cases rising from 742 to 884. Worryingly, this trend includes women aged 20-40, though the most affected age group remains 50-60. Coronary angioplasty now constitutes 20% of all cardiac procedures performed on women.
Cardiologists express concern that many women neglect their health and present with atypical symptoms like acidity or fatigue, which can be mistaken for other ailments. These masked symptoms, coupled with delayed self-reporting, hinder early diagnosis. Stress is identified as a contributing factor in 16% of cases, while unknown causes account for 1% annually. Experts suggest that while oestrogen offers some protection, modern urban life, stress, poor sleep, and increased smoking among women are eroding this shield. Improved diagnostic services and health schemes may also contribute to the apparent increase in procedures.
