WHAT WOMEN SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR.
When it comes to heart disease, genetics can play a significant role — especially for women who often underestimate their personal risk.
A family history of cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or sudden cardiac arrest, can considerably increase one’s own chances of developing heart issues. But unlike many other inherited conditions, heart disease is not solely dictated by genes. Rather, it emerges from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. For women, recognizing and managing these inherited risks is vital, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death among Indian women.
Women with familial history often do not receive preventive statins or cardiac imaging as frequently as men.
If a first-degree relative — such as a parent or sibling –had a heart attack or was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 ( for men) or
65 (for women), the risk is especially pronounced.
However, this risk amplifies further if multiple family members are affected. In women, these risks can be easily masked by hormonal changes, pregnancy-related conditions, and unique symptoms that differ from men. For instance, while chest pain is the classic sign of a heart attack, women are more likely to experience subtler symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or discomfort in the jaw of upper back — making early detection difficult.
Having a family history does not mean that a woman is destined to develop heart disease, but it does necessitate a more vigilant approach to prevention. This includes routine monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Importantly, women with a family history should inform their doctors early, so that preventive strategies can be initiated in their 20s or 30s rather than waiting for midlife symptoms to emerge. Early screening, lifestyle adjustments, and where necessary, medication,, can delay or even prevent the onset of disease.
Another critical, but often overlooked, aspect is the emotional toll of caregiving and chronic stress in women, particularly in families with a legacy of heart disease.
These psychosocial stressors can elevate cortisol levels and increase inflammation, further escalating cardiac risk. this makes stress management through yoga, mindfulness, or therapy not just advisable but necessary.
Ultimately, awareness is the first step. Knowing your family’s cardiac history — who was affected, at what age, and with what outcome — can be a lifesaving tool. For Indian women, where heart disease is still underdiagnosed and underreported, this knowledge combined with proactive medical guidance can help rewrite the genetic narrative.
