Heart Disease in Women: Obesity or Awareness to Blame?


A recent study conducted by PGIMER, Chandigarh, reveals alarming insights into the prevalence of obesity and its impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among women in Chandigarh. Speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event held in Chandigarh, Dr. Neelam Dahiya and other health experts emphasized the urgent need to address this growing health crisis.

Key Findings from the PGI Study

Metric

Statistic

Women with CVD who are obese

44%

Women under 50 years with CVD

15%

Women under 40 years with CVD

10%

Women consuming adequate fruits/vegetables daily

1%

Women advised to reduce salt intake

47%

Women counseled on smoking cessation

Less than 30%

The study conducted over three years highlights that 44% of women diagnosed with heart disease are obese. Poor dietary habits were noted, with only 1% of these women consuming adequate fruits and vegetables daily.

Obesity and Its Role in Heart Disease

Dr. Dahiya, assistant professor of cardiology at PGIMER, emphasized the connection between obesity and the increasing risk of heart disease. She noted that obesity is now a growing epidemic, particularly among women, and contributes to severe health conditions such as:

·         Heart Failure

·         Blood Clotting Disorders

·         Diabetes

Dr. Rama Walia from PGIMER’s endocrinology department stressed the adverse outcomes of obesity, calling for better management strategies.

CVD Risk Factors Among Women

Health experts identified a range of factors contributing to CVD in women, including:

·         Sedentary Lifestyles

·         Stress

·         Hypertension

·         Diabetes

·         Poor Awareness of Risk Factors

Dr. Dahiya highlighted a stark reality: women with heart disease have a 50% higher mortality rate than men. These poor outcomes reflect the lack of timely diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle modifications.

Age-Related Risks

The study revealed a concerning trend of younger women being diagnosed with CVD:

·         15% of cases involved women under 50.

·         10% of cases involved women under 40.

This highlights an alarming shift, as heart disease was traditionally associated with older age groups.

Lifestyle and Awareness Gaps

Despite the known risks, awareness about heart disease remains minimal. Key observations included:

·         Only 47% of women were advised to reduce salt intake.

·         Less than 30% were counselled to quit smoking or adopt a healthy diet.

These figures point to gaps in healthcare communication and preventive measures.

Preventive Measures and Initiatives

To combat this growing concern, PGIMER plans to launch a preventive clinic for risk assessment. This clinic will utilize risk estimation tools based on:

·         Age

·         Obesity

·         Hypertension

·         Activity Levels

·         Family History

·         Diabetes

By identifying at-risk individuals, the clinic aims to implement targeted interventions and promote heart-healthy lifestyles.

The Way Forward

Experts stressed the importance of education and lifestyle changes in preventing CVD. Dr. Dahiya highlighted that 80% of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, can be prevented through:

1.       Improved Diets: Encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium meals.

2.       Regular Physical Activity: Combating sedentary lifestyles with exercise regimens.

3.       Stress Management: Implementing techniques like yoga and mindfulness.

4.       Healthcare Communication: Providing consistent advice on smoking cessation, weight management, and healthy living.

Dr. Dahiya further emphasized the heightened vulnerability of individuals with South Asian ethnicity to CVD, underscoring the need for tailored awareness programs.

Conclusion

The PGIMER study underscores the critical need to address the rising prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease among women in Chandigarh. Improved awareness, early intervention, and lifestyle modifications are essential to reversing these alarming trends. With initiatives like the proposed preventive clinic, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in reducing CVD-related mortality and enhancing women’s health outcomes.

References

1.       PGIMER, Chandigarh Study on CVD and Obesity (2021–2024).

2.       CME Event Proceedings, Chandigarh (2024).

3.       WHO Guidelines on Non-Communicable Diseases (2023).

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