Prof Dr Mansoor Ahmed of the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases challenged a common misconception about women’s heart health.
He said women are not protected from cardiovascular conditions. Women with diabetes, hypertension or obesity should receive regular heart screening.
Doctors also highlighted the importance of cardiovascular care during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Prof Dr Tazeen Abbas urged women not to stop prescribed medicines without consulting their doctors. This advice also applies during pregnancy and after delivery.
She said doctors can adjust medicines according to each patient’s medical condition.
High blood pressure during pregnancy may remain a health concern after childbirth. Pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy can also weaken the heart muscle.
Doctors said timely diagnosis and treatment are important in such cases.
Anaemia and closely spaced pregnancies can place additional pressure on women’s health. Experts recommended appropriate birth spacing and regular medical follow-ups.
Lifestyle Factors Increase Heart Disease Risk
Doctors advised women to stay physically active and follow healthier diets.
They recommended limiting fried foods, bakery products, soft drinks and sugary juices.
Dr Halima Yasmeen said Heart Disease was found in around 4% of pregnant women screened through her clinical service.
She said pregnancy can provide an opportunity to identify previously undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions.
Prof Dr Shabnam Naveed also highlighted the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
She said more than 90% of women attending her hospital’s diabetes clinic had cardiovascular risk factors. However, this figure represents a high-risk hospital population.
Study Highlights Heart Disease Death Rate
The concerns were supported by a 2026 study published in JACC: Asia.
The research compared Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan using Global Burden of Disease estimates.
It found that Pakistan had the highest age-standardised ischaemic heart disease death rate among women in 2021.
Pakistan was also the only country where deaths relative to estimated cases were higher among women than men.
The study reported rates of 4.4% among women and 3.1% among men.
High blood pressure was identified as a major contributor. Diets low in vegetables and fibre were also linked with deaths.
Pakistan Cardiac Society General Secretary Prof Dr Fawad Farooq highlighted stress and physical inactivity as additional concerns.
He also warned against stopping prescribed medicines after angioplasty. Continued treatment and regular follow-ups can help reduce further complications.
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Health experts said improved screening could help detect Heart Disease earlier among Pakistani women. They also called for stronger prevention and primary cardiovascular care services.
