In the fast-paced landscape of Singapore, where women juggle high-pressure careers with the intricate demands of family life, a silent predator is often overlooked. While many Singaporean women fear breast cancer above all else, the reality is far more cardiovascular. According to the Singapore Heart Foundation’s 2024 Women’s Heart Health Survey, nearly 40% of women in Singapore still mistakenly believe that breast cancer is the leading cause of death. In truth, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer, accounting for one in three female deaths in Singapore.
The latest figures from the Registry of Births and Deaths 2024 reveal a sobering picture of our national health, with approximately 22 people dying from cardiovascular disease and stroke every day. Despite this, the gender gap in awareness remains wide. Only 16% of Singaporean women consider themselves well-informed about heart disease. Alarmingly, women aged 50 to 64—a high-risk group due to the onset of menopause—are the least informed, with only 8% feeling knowledgeable about the "silent killer." This lack of awareness is particularly concerning given that CVD accounts for a significant percentage of deaths across all ethnic groups, including 35.2% of deaths among Indian women, 34.4% among Malay women, and 27.9% among Chinese women.
Unique Challenges for Singaporean Women
Several factors contribute to the under-recognition of heart disease in women in Singapore:
- Atypical Symptoms: Many women dismiss symptoms like fatigue or indigestion as stress or ageing, delaying medical consultation.
- Cultural Norms: Traditional caregiving roles often lead women to prioritise family health over their own.
- Risk Factors: Singaporean women face rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension — all significant contributors to heart disease. For instance, the National Health Survey 2020 reported that 12.5% of women aged 18-69 were obese, and 8.6% had diabetes.
- Smoking and Lifestyle: Although smoking rates among women are lower than men, sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits contribute to cardiovascular risks.
For many Singaporean women, the risk profile shifts dramatically around age 50. Oestrogen provides a natural protective effect on blood vessels, but as levels drop during menopause, cholesterol can begin to build up more rapidly on artery walls. This biological shift, combined with the "Sandwich Generation" stress of caring for both children and ageing parents, creates a perfect storm for heart health issues. It is essential to look beyond the traditional narrative and recognise that heart disease is not just a "man’s issue" or an "old person’s issue."
What Can Be Done?
Addressing heart disease in women requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Raising Awareness: Public health campaigns tailored to women’s heart health can help improve recognition of symptoms and risk factors.
- Healthcare Training: Equipping healthcare professionals to recognise and respond to atypical presentations in women is crucial.
- Regular Screening: Encouraging women to undergo regular cardiovascular health screenings, especially those with risk factors.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Promoting heart-healthy diets, physical activity, and smoking cessation among women.
Ultimately, protecting the heart of our community starts with women reclaiming their own. While 83% of Singaporean women believe they can take preventive measures, the transition from belief to action requires a collective shift in our "always-on" culture. We must move away from the idea that self-care is a luxury and recognise it as a fundamental necessity for longevity. Whether it is leveraging the "kampung spirit" by joining a local brisk walking group or simply insisting on a cardiovascular screening during the next GP visit, these small pivots can rewrite the statistics.
In a city-state that prides itself on resilience and foresight, the most vital investment we can make is not in our portfolios, but in the very muscle that keeps us moving. By listening to the subtle signals of our bodies and supporting one another in a heart-healthy lifestyle, we ensure that the women who power Singapore remain its strongest heartbeat for generations to come.