Patna: Women often put the health of their families before their own, delaying check-ups and treatment even when they develop symptoms. Ahead of World Heart Day on Tuesday, doctors said families, particularly men, need to play a greater role in ensuring women get timely medical care and do not neglect their heart health.Doctors said women often juggle family responsibilities, work and caregiving, leaving little time for their own health. This can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. They stressed that husbands and other family members should share caregiving responsibilities and encourage women to undergo regular health checks.Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and stress are recognised cardiovascular risk factors. Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke are additional concerns, but doctors said these risks can also remain underreported among women.According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-17, 2% of Indian women aged 15 years and above were current tobacco smokers. Doctors said the figure may not reflect the actual extent of smoking among women because some hesitate to disclose the habit due to social stigma.“Women’s heart health deserves the same focus on tobacco exposure as every other major cardiovascular risk factor. There is no safe cigarette — smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, and complete cessation remains the goal. But when smokers struggle despite repeated attempts to quit, prevention must also include an evidence-based conversation on practical strategies that help them move away from combustible cigarettes. The objective is clear, reduce exposure to tobacco-related harm while continuing to work towards complete cessation,” said Dr Aijaz Ilmi, senior consultant & head, preventive wellness and metabolic diseases, Pacific OneHealth Hospital, New Delhi.He said non-smoking women could also be exposed to cardiovascular risks through second-hand smoke at home, workplaces and public spaces.Dr Sanjeev Kumar, head of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at AIIMS Patna, said smoking among women was a concern, particularly in rural areas where bidi and hookah use is common. “A large number of women smoke, especially in rural areas. Many come late with health problems and often hide their smoking habit because of social stigma,” he said.Dr Kumar said long-term nicotine exposure weakens the inner lining of arteries and contributes to heart and peripheral vascular diseases. “They have no option but to quit in order to remain healthy,” he added.Associate director, cardiology, Jai Prabha Medanta, Dr Shamshad Alam said women often did not disclose tobacco use even during medical consultations. “Women come with in-laws or other family members and do not reveal their smoking habit as it is considered taboo. Elderly women from villages may tell us about bidi smoking, but those in their 40s and 50s, especially from urban areas, often hide it,” he said.Dr Alam also pointed to a gap in medical history-taking. “Several doctors too tend to overlook smoking while taking the history of female patients,” he said.He said socioeconomic factors and family priorities also contributed to delayed care. “Women often ignore their health, and families can be equally ignorant. The health of male members, seen as breadwinners, is often given greater importance,” he said.Dr Mohsin Wali, Padma Shri recipient, senior consultant and director, internal medicine, Pacific OneHealth Hospitals, New Delhi, and former senior consultant cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said smoking-related cardiovascular disease remained a major public health concern and called for comprehensive smoking cessation programmes, particularly for women who face barriers to seeking help.Doctors advised women to regularly check blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and follow a balanced diet. For smokers, they stressed that quitting tobacco is among the most effective steps to reduce cardiovascular risk, while counselling and professional cessation support can improve the chances of successfully quitting.Families, they said, should ensure women get the time, support and medical attention needed to protect their heart health.
