Uncovering hidden heart disease risks in women
PULSE Issue 45 | July 2025
Traditionally perceived as a men’s disease, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)1 is, however, the leading cause of death among women2. Despite its alarming prevalence, many females are unaware of or diminishing the life-threatening risks of CVD, highlighting the urgent need for greater public education and advocacy around women’s heart health.
On a recent CAPITAL 958 Mandarin radio show, Dr Sim Hui Wen, Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, spotlighted on the less obvious heart attack symptoms experienced by women - including fatigue and unusual upper body pain - which often leads to them being downplayed, or even mistaken as symptoms of stress, ageing or flu.
Discover surprising women's health facts you might not know in this Channel Newsasia article!
In another 987 FM English radio show, Dr Jeanne Ong, Consultant, Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine, NUHCS @ Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), dived into the recent fitness bandwagon of Hyrox and spin classes, where she weighed in on the cardiovascular benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to more moderate forms of exercise such as Pilates or yoga.
Her advice? “Any exercise is good exercise”. Choose activities you enjoy and stick with it – it is consistency that counts. While working out has become increasingly popular, particularly among Generation-Zs and millennials, many of them rely on pre- and post-workout caffeinated drinks for a boost. Although caffeine may help with energy and focus, Dr Jeanne cautions that some individuals may experience faster heart rates and heart palpitations, and she emphasises on consuming such beverages in moderation.
Recommended weekly activities levels:
Tune in to the 987 FM podcast to find out more!
Many women are caregivers – whether for children, ageing parents, or both. But while caring for others, they often neglect their own health, placing themselves at greater risk of stress-related cardiovascular issues.
One such woman kept going... until she couldn't. Watch this video to find out why.
Pregnancy is one of the most joyful and transformative phases in a woman’s life – but it’s also a time when the heart is under significant strain. To support both the mother and baby, the heart must pump up to 50% more blood than usual. The journey of motherhood can also come with emotional challenges, such as pre- and post-natal depression. These challenges can affect the mother’s emotional wellbeing, which can in turn affect her physical heart health. This highlights the connection between physical and emotional health.
An example of such mind-heart connections is the Broken Heart Syndrome (also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy), a real and serious medical condition triggered by intense emotional stress, which mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. Over time, unaddressed emotional strain can significantly increase cardiovascular risk, making it crucial to recognise and manage both the psychological and physical aspects of heart health.
Women with depression have up to 1.6x heart disease risk!
Make healthier lifestyle choices & seek support:
While most heart attacks are caused by artery blockages, another condition - Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) - occurs when a tear suddenly forms in the artery wall, restricting blood flow to the heart. SCADs most commonly affect women in their 40s and 50s, especially new mothers in the postpartum period or those under extreme stress. Though rare, SCAD is a serious condition, and awareness is key to early detection and timely care.
Symptoms of SCAD to watch out for:
Understanding how women experience heart disease differently is the first step toward protection and prevention. Whether it is recognising subtle symptoms, managing stress, or building healthy habits, every woman deserves to be equipped with the knowledge to care for her heart.
Follow NUHCS on social media for more lesser-known heart facts and practical tips to support the heart health of the women we love – our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.
References:
1. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks and strokes.
2. https://nuhsplus.edu.sg/article/heart-disease-is-the-number-one-killer-among-women
