Strong Hearts, Strong Women: The silent threat you can’t ignore this women’s month

Every August, South Africans honour the women who fought for freedom, dignity, and equality. We reflect on their strength. Their resilience. Their legacy.

But as we move forward, we must also protect what sustains that strength – our health. And this Women’s Month, it’s time to talk about a threat that’s still claiming lives quietly, especially among South African women:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in South African women. Yes, more than all cancers combined. [1]

Why is heart disease so dangerous for women? [4]

Heart disease is often misdiagnosed or overlooked in women, partly because symptoms can present differently than in men. Instead of the “classic” chest pain, women may experience:

Unusual fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea or dizziness
Back, jaw, or neck pain
Anxiety or “just not feeling right”

These symptoms are easy to dismiss, especially when you’re juggling kids, work, a household, and family care.

But they’re warning signs. And ignoring them can cost you your life.

South African Women Face Higher Risk Factors

The risk is even higher in our local context:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects 1 in 3 adults in South Africa [2].
Women of colour in SA are particularly vulnerable due to genetic, lifestyle, and socio-economic factors [3].
Many women are unaware they have high blood pressure until they have a heart attack or stroke.

The tragedy? In many cases, heart disease is preventable and manageable, if you catch the signs early and stay on top of your health.

3 Small ways to protect your heart health this August

1. Know Your Numbers

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Regularly check your:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Glucose levels (yes, diabetes and heart disease are closely linked!)

Recommended device:
📍 FORA Active Plus P30 Blood Pressure Monitor : Accurate, easy to use, and ideal for home monitoring.

2. Move With Intention

You don’t need to join a gym. A brisk 30-minute walk 5 times a week can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Bonus: Dance in your kitchen. Play with your kids. Walk with a friend. Just move.

3. Prioritise Rest & Recovery

Stress is a silent killer and women often carry it all without pause. Rest is not a luxury. It’s survival.

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Knowledge is power. Action is freedom.

As we honour the women who came before us, let’s not forget the women still here – you. You deserve more than survival. You deserve a life of energy, joy, and longevity.

Take five minutes this month to check your blood pressure. Start with one small act.

Because every strong woman needs a strong heart.

Altys Group | Trusted by healthcare professionals. Designed for your everyday life.

Sources

World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Diseases Fact Sheet
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) – Hypertension in South Africa
Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa – Women and Heart Disease
Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School Article:How heart attack symptoms differ for women Link:https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-heart-attack-symptoms-differ-for-women