The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding its focus on women's heart health, shifting from a generic approach to gender-specific, tailored therapies. Currently, over 100 top women’s health companies and startups are actively working on innovative solutions, with a particular rise in specialized Femtech startups.
As of 2026, the drug pipeline for women's health includes 48 new medicines targeting cardiovascular illness, according to a recent survey of 144 companies done by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
Recent data also suggests that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among Indian women. There is a staggering lack of awareness regarding gender-specific risks. Nearly 62% of women surveyed believed heart disease was primarily a concern for men, leading to a dangerous delay in seeking preventative care.
“When we think of a "heart attack," the image that often comes to mind is a man clutching his chest in agony. However, the reality in India is starkly different. Heart disease does not discriminate by gender, but it does manifest differently. For Indian women, the heart health crisis is growing, yet it remains shrouded in silence and cultural neglect.” cautions Prof. Roopali Khanna, Department of Cardiology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow.
Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by USV Pvt. Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company, mentions polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as one of the potential comorbid conditions associated with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. These are important risk factors that are prevalent in India, significantly increasing the lifetime risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
"Insulin resistance is a common key mechanism in the pathogenesis of T2DM, and other comorbid conditions include hypertension, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis." as per USV survey.
Prof. Roopali suggest these misconceptions are fatal, especially since South Asian populations, including Indian women, possess a higher risk of developing hypertension and first-time heart attacks nearly a decade earlier than Western cohorts. Women are less likely to survive their first heart attack compared to men, as they often present with "atypical" symptoms that lead to delayed hospital arrival. With rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, which are both "force multipliers" for heart issues, women are at an all-time high risk.
She further states that ignoring the subtle signs is no longer an option. Biology plays a significant role. Hormonal changes during menopause lead to a drop in estrogen, which previously acted as a shield for the heart. Postmenopausal Indian women show a marked increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including abnormal plasma lipids and increased blood pressure. However, in India, socio-cultural factors are equally influential.
Many Indian women prioritize the health of their families over their own. This "self-care deficit" means symptoms are often dismissed as "just tiredness" or "gas." To address the "self-care deficit" in Indian women, the pharmaceutical industry is moving beyond just selling pills to creating ecosystems of care.
A heart attack doesn’t always feel like a crushing weight on the chest. For women, the signs can be much more deceptive like extreme, unexplained fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back, Nausea or a "burning" sensation in the stomach (often mistaken for acidity and shortness of breath while performing routine household chores.
Experts inform that nearly 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Small, culturally conscious shifts can make a massive difference like aiming for a BP below 120/80 mmHg. Checking your cholesterol and sugar levels annually. One should follow the "Indian Diet" Audit by swapping vanaspati (trans fats) for mustard or olive oil. Reduce white rice and maida, and keep a strict check on salt intake. Thirty minutes of brisk walking or dancing to your favourite music at home can strengthen your heart. The "mental load" of managing a household increases cortisol, which hardens arteries. One should prioritize rest.
“To the daughters, mothers, and sisters of India: Your health is the foundation of your family’s well-being. Listening to your body isn't an act of selfishness; it is an act of survival. Let’s break the cycle of silence. This year, we suggest all women make a "Heart Promise" to yourself to get screened, stay active, and put your heart first,” urges Prof. Roopali Khanna. |