Experts Raise Concerns Over Growing Heart Disease Risk Among Pakistani Women
Health experts have raised concerns about the increasing risk of heart disease among women in Pakistan, highlighting high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and lack of physical activity as major contributing factors.
The experts shared their concerns during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club ahead of World Heart Day. Cardiologists, physicians and gynaecologists said women’s cardiovascular health often receives less attention because of misconceptions, limited screening and inadequate follow-up during important stages of life.
The event was organised by Discovering Hypertension in collaboration with the Pakistan Cardiac Society, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan, the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine and Go Red for Women.
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Among Key Risks
Prof Dr Mansoor Ahmed of the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases said the belief that women are less likely to develop heart disease is incorrect.
He noted that women can sometimes put their own health needs aside because of household responsibilities. According to him, limited physical activity can further increase cardiovascular risks.
Dr Mansoor also highlighted diabetes as an important public health concern in Pakistan, particularly because it can occur alongside other cardiovascular risk factors.
He advised women with diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity to undergo regular medical screening and follow professional advice.
Pregnancy and Menopause Need Special Attention
Prof Dr Tazeen Abbas, Secretary General of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan, said women’s heart health should be monitored during pregnancy, after childbirth and after menopause.
She said some women stop taking prescribed medicines during pregnancy or discontinue blood pressure treatment after delivery without consulting their doctors.
According to her, medication should only be changed under medical supervision. High blood pressure identified during pregnancy should also continue to be monitored after childbirth.
She further highlighted pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy as a condition that can become serious if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly.
The expert also pointed to anaemia and closely spaced pregnancies as additional health concerns, stressing the importance of family planning, birth spacing and post-pregnancy follow-up.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce Risk
Doctors at the event encouraged women to maintain regular physical activity and pay attention to their diet.
They recommended limiting foods and drinks that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, including excessive bakery products, fried foods, soft drinks and sugary juices.
Screening During Pregnancy Can Detect Heart Problems
Senior obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Halima Yasmeen said heart disease had been identified in around 4% of pregnant women screened through her clinical service.
She said pregnancy can provide an opportunity to identify previously undiagnosed heart conditions and high blood pressure.
Women found to have cardiovascular risks may require coordinated care involving obstetricians, physicians and cardiologists.
Stronger Screening and Follow-Up Needed
Prof Dr Shabnam Naveed, head of medicine at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Jinnah Sindh Medical University, identified limited screening as a major challenge in preventing cardiovascular disease.
She said cardiovascular risk factors were found in more than 90% of women visiting the JPMC diabetes clinic, highlighting the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.
Pakistan Cardiac Society General Secretary Prof Dr Fawad Farooq also highlighted stress as a contributing factor and called for stronger primary and secondary cardiovascular care.
He said some patients discontinue prescribed medicines after procedures such as angioplasty, which can increase the risk of further complications. Continued medical follow-up and adherence to prescribed treatment are important for patients recovering from heart-related problems.
Study Highlights Cardiovascular Health Concerns
The concerns were also discussed in the context of a 2026 study published in JACC: Asia, which examined Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan using Global Burden of Disease estimates.
According to the study, Pakistan recorded the highest age-standardised death rate from ischaemic heart disease among women in 2021 among the five countries included in the analysis.
The research also identified high blood pressure and diets low in vegetables and fibre among the major contributors to heart disease deaths among Pakistani women.
PharmEvo Director Marketing Samar Iqbal said awareness initiatives focusing on diabetes and hypertension are helping identify people who may be unaware of their health conditions.
The campaign has now expanded its focus to women’s heart health, with participating medical organisations promoting greater awareness, screening and timely medical care.
