Heart Health Crisis Among Women: Heart related problems are the biggest cause of death worldwide. Every year crores of people lose their lives due to cardiovascular disease. Till now it has been believed that estrogen, a hormone produced in the body of women, acts like a shield around their heart. This reduces heart related problems in women. Now this armor of women seems to be breaking. New figures from Mumbai’s Sion Hospital show that the number of women suffering from heart disease has increased by 20% in the last 2 years. Earlier it was believed that heart disease occurs in old age, but now young women of 20 to 40 years of age are also reaching the hospital. Although the highest risk is seen in the age group of 50 to 60 years, but the operation of younger women is a matter of concern.

According to TOI report According to the data of Sion Hospital, Mumbai, there has been an increase of about 20% in cardiac procedures in women in the last 2 years. If you understand in simple language, then when there is blockage in the veins of the heart or the heart does not function properly, then doctors do operation or repairing to correct it. This is called cardiac procedure. This includes procedures like angioplasty, stent insertion or pacemaker installation. This is a clear indication that the natural protective shield of women is weakening and they are becoming more victims of heart disease than before.

According to the data of Sion Hospital, the number of cardiac procedures in women was 742 in the year 2023, which has increased to 884 in 2025. The most surprising thing is that heart diseases are no longer limited to elderly women only. Young women aged between 20 to 40 years are also undergoing heart-related treatment. However, the most affected age group is 50 to 60 years. About 20% of the total procedures were coronary angioplasty cases, which are directly related to heart attacks. This changing pattern has made it clear that no age group or gender is safe now.

Dr Pratap Nathani, head of the cardiology department at Sion Hospital, told TOI That most of the women who came to the hospital did not even realize that they had had a heart attack. Often women ignore their health and ignore the symptoms amid responsibilities. Due to this, treatment cannot be done at the right time. Symptoms of heart attack in women are not limited to just severe pain in the chest like men. Women may experience acidity, fatigue, back pain, stomach pain, jaw or neck pain, nausea, flu-like symptoms and even nervousness. These symptoms are often confused with acidity or general weakness, which delays treatment and makes the condition serious.

According to doctors, the biggest reasons for increase in heart disease in women are diabetes, high blood pressure and tobacco consumption. Apart from this, stress is also playing a big role. Stress has emerged as a major factor in about 16% of heart disease cases. External factors like air pollution are also being linked to heart related problems. Women should take even small visible signs like acidity or shortness of breath seriously. Timely health checkup, stress management and lifestyle improvement are the only ways to avoid this increasing threat.