Why heart disease may be a bigger health threat than cancer for women in their 40s

Published 10 June 2026 · health

A 42-year-old woman's symptoms were dismissed as anxiety. Doctors later discovered heart disease, highlighting a growing concern: many women fail to recognise the warning signs

A 42-year-old woman's symptoms were dismissed as anxiety. Doctors later discovered heart disease, highlighting a growing concern: many women fail to recognise the warning signs of cardiovascular disease until it's too late. A recent X post by cardiologist Afshine Emrani recounting the case of a 42-year-old mother whose symptoms were initially dismissed as anxiety has sparked a wider conversation about women's heart health. Read Full Story The woman, an active half-marathon runner, sought medical help for jaw pain and crushing fatigue. Her ECG appeared normal and she was prescribed anxiety medication. Further testing, however, revealed severe microvascular disease – a condition affecting the tiny blood vessels of the heart that can be missed on standard tests and angiograms. While the story has resonated online because of the delayed diagnosis, experts say it points to a much larger problem. Many women are highly aware of cancer risks and regularly discuss cancer screening, but far fewer recognise heart disease as a major threat to their health. Despite being the leading cause of death among women worldwide, heart disease often receives less attention than breast cancer and other conditions. As a result, many women underestimate their cardiovascular risk and may overlook symptoms that warrant medical attention. Her story reflects a larger problem. Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death among women worldwide, many women do not see themselves at risk and often fail to recognise the warning signs. WOMEN WORRY ABOUT CANCER, BUT HEART DISEASE REMAINS THE BIGGER THREAT Cardiologists say one of the biggest misconceptions about women's health is that heart disease is primarily a man's disease.

While awareness campaigns have significantly improved public understanding of breast and cervical cancer, awareness of cardiovascular disease in women remains comparatively low. This perception gap means many women are more likely to recognise potential cancer symptoms than early warning signs of heart disease. "One of the biggest misconceptions in women's health is that heart disease is primarily a man's disease. Lower awareness translates into reduced screening, delayed diagnosis, inadequate risk assessment and missed opportunities for prevention," said Dr Ranita Saha, Cardiologist at CK Birla Hospitals, BM Birla Heart Hospital. Experts say women in their 40s are particularly important to focus on because this is often the decade when cardiovascular risk factors begin to emerge. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and menopause-related hormonal changes can all increase the risk of future heart disease. Many women in this age group are balancing careers, caregiving responsibilities and family commitments, often putting their own health last. As a result, symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and chest discomfort may be attributed to stress rather than investigated further. According to doctors, recognising cardiovascular risk early and seeking timely medical attention can significantly improve outcomes. WHY HEART DISEASE IS OFTEN MISSED IN WOMEN For decades, heart disease has largely been understood through a male lens. The classic image of a heart attack – severe chest pain radiating down the left arm – does not always reflect how cardiovascular disease presents in women. As a result, symptoms are often mistaken for stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, fatigue or digestive issues.