Abhinav Lal Over the years, studies have reported increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. A recent Indian study published in the American Journal of Preventive cardiology reported that from 2000 to 2017 annual (ischemic heart disease) IHD mortality witnessed a greater increase in women than men from 0.32 to 0.62 million (+93.7%). Correspondingly, Practo, a leading integrated healthcare company, reported that women are taking charge of their heart health, with a 58% rise in cardiac consultations on the platform over the last five years (2019*-2023**), suggesting a proactive approach to heart health management.
Deep diving into consultation trends showcased that Cardiology ranks among the top two fastest-growing specialties for women along with Gastroenterologist; the top discussed concerns within cardiology include ‘echocardiography’, ‘CT angiogram’, ‘treadmill test’, ‘bypass surgery’, ‘hypertension’ treatment indicating a focus on preventive measures with tests and diagnostics.
Another noteworthy finding is that the largest share of these consultations in 2023** came from women aged between 25 – 34 (61%) highlighting rising awareness and prevention efforts. This is followed by:
- Below 18 at 1%
- 18 – 24 at 7%
- 35 – 44 at 22%
- 45 – 54 at 5%
- 55+ at 4%
Women from Bangalore contribute to the largest share of cardiac consultations in 2023** at 38%, followed by:
- Delhi at 24%
- Hyderabad at 10%
- Mumbai at 6%
- Chennai at 4 % & Kolkata at 3%
- ROI at 15%
Talking about the rise in cardiac consultations by women, Dr Alexander Kuruvilla, Chief Health Strategy Officer, Practo said, “While there has been an increasing risk of CVDs women, with growing awareness, younger women are actively seeking consultations and diagnostics support through digital platforms, prioritizing preventive healthcare. Digital healthcare has been an aid to multiple women enabling them to easily access quality care. As a community, we must encourage women to prioritise their health. At Practo, we are committed to continue strengthening our network of healthcare professionals across specialties to ensure easy accessibility.”
Dr. Manpreet S Salooja, Senior Specialist, Cardio- Thoracic and Vascular Diseases said, “In recent years, women have increasingly prioritized heart health, recognizing the critical importance of cardiovascular well-being. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the unique risk factors women face, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy complications, and stress. With greater access to information and healthcare resources, women are actively seeking preventive measures, including regular exercise, balanced diets, and routine check-ups. In my online and offline practice I have also seen female patients more aware about their overall wellbeing and heart related issues and they are keen to keep themselves safe from heart diseases. This cultural shift underscores the significance of gender-specific approaches to healthcare, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of heart disease among females”.
Beyond heart health, women also prioritize Gut Health with 59% rise in consultations with Gastroenterologists. The top concerns discussed under Gastroenterologists were ‘liver disease’, ‘gastroesophageal reflux’, ‘acidity’ and ‘gastroenteritis’. Overall women’s consultations grew by 29% from 2019* to 2023**. These insights paint a promising picture of women prioritizing their health and actively taking control of their well being.
*(Jan to Dec 2019)
** (Jan to Dec 2023)
Practo’s insights reports highlight important ailments and consultation-related trends in the country. The information is aggregated, anonymized, and analyzed at scale. We hope that with these findings, our healthcare providers are better equipped to understand disease patterns and address them effectively, helping others become more aware of their options when taking care of their medical needs.
Published on March 7, 2024
