THE silent epidemic of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in women, particularly in South Asia and Pakistan, is rather alarming.

While cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women globally, they remain significantly underdiagnosed, undertreated and underrepresented in research for women in our region.

Women in South Asia, especially in Pakistan, face unique challenges that exacerbate their cardiovascular risk. Socio-cultural norms often relegate women’s health to a secondary priority, leading to delayed medical attention and poor disease recognition.

The misconception that heart disease is a ‘man’s disease’ further entrenches this neglect, leaving women undiagnosed until they suffer fatal complications, such as strokes or heart attacks.

Alarmingly, women often exhibit atypical symptoms of heart disease, leading to misdiagnosis or dismissal of their symptoms as anxiety or stress-related issues.

Hypertension — often called the silent killer — is a major contributor to cardiovascular deaths, yet routine blood pressure monitoring for women remains alarmingly low.

Pregnancy-related hypertensive dis-orders, like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, also heighten long-term cardiovascular risks, but awareness and follow-up care for the affected women remain dismally inadequate.

Furthermore, traditional risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity and smoking, are on the rise among South Asian women, compounding the crisis.

National health policies must integrate gender-sensitive approaches to cardio-vascular screening, education and treatment. Awareness campaigns must counter the prevailing myths, urging women to prioritise their cardiac health.

Healthcare professionals need better training to recognise and address cardiovascular diseases in women. Besides, there must be greater inclusion of women in clinical research activities to tailor effective treatment strategies.

Prof Azra Mahmud
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025