One in three women dies of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) in Singapore, claiming more lives than breast cancer. Studies showed that heart disease is deadlier in women, often going undiagnosed or undertreated. Heart disease can affect women at all ages, and particularly after menopause. The good news is heart disease can be prevented or managed if you take care of your heart health.

Typical symptoms such as severe chest pain, cold sweat and giddiness can be experienced by both men and women. Women, however, are more likely to exhibit atypical symptoms such as:

Women are more likely to dismiss these symptoms, and less likely to see a doctor when symptoms of heart disease appear. This causes delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Once the patient learns what the correct diagnosis is and prescribed course treatment, she can be a proactive participant in her own recovery to good health.

A holistic approach to treating heart disease involves taking into account not just the care of a woman’s heart, but also her entire physical and psychosocial well-being. A healthy body and healthy mind are more likely to support a healthy heart.