HEALTH
Type 2 diabetes is also becoming more common among younger adults.
“ Diabetes can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks,” she says.
Sedentary lifestyles play a major role too.“ Increased screen time and reduced physical activity can contribute to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, all of which are major cardiovascular risk factors.”
Researchers are also paying greater attention to female-specific and female-predominant risk factors that were historically overlooked. Dr Sundas offers these examples:
• Pregnancy-related complications
• Gestational diabetes
• Early menopause
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormonal and metabolic conditions such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome( PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome( PCOS)
“ These factors can influence a woman’ s long-term cardiovascular health and should form part of heartdisease prevention conversations,” she says.
HOW WOMEN CAN REDUCE THEIR RISK While some risk factors can’ t be changed, many can be managed through lifestyle choices and regular health monitoring.
Key habits that support heart health include:
• Regular physical activity
• Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods
• Avoiding smoking and vaping
• Managing stress effectively
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Maintaining a healthy weight
“ Making changes does not have to happen all at once. Small, sustainable improvements often have the greatest long-term impact,” suggests Dr Sundas. She emphasises that women should also prioritise routine health screenings, particularly if they have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.
These checks include:
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Cholesterol testing
• Blood glucose and diabetes testing
• General cardiovascular assessments
Women should also discuss female-specific health factors with their healthcare providers, including pregnancy complications, menopause, and hormonal conditions that may influence cardiovascular risk.
TRUST YOURSELF WHEN SOMETHING FEELS WRONG“ One of the most important messages for women is to pay attention to changes from their normal baseline,” says Dr Sundas.
Many women are accustomed to managing discomfort and may attribute fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, or unusual aches to stress, busy schedules, or everyday life. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should never be ignored simply because they do not fit the stereotypical image of a heart attack.
“ You know your body better than anyone else,” says Dr Sundas.“ If something feels unusual, seek medical advice and ask questions. Early recognition and intervention can make a significant difference to outcomes and may ultimately save your life.” IB
72 INBOUND SA / SEPTEMBER 2026