World Heart Day: Clinical case to raise awareness on cardiovascular disease in women

Abstract

The World Heart Federation highlights that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Indeed, women have unique female-specific risk factors for stroke, which include pregnancy, history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or gestational diabetes, duration of reproductive life, oral contraceptive use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. In light of the female-specific risk factors and/or predisposing conditions, there is need to sensitize health professionals and the public in general on CVD in women. This clinical case is being shared with the written consent of the patient so as to avoid misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of CVD among women.