The occurrence of heart disease in women is more common than cancer. Every woman is aware of breast cancer; experts suggest that heart disease requires equal awareness among woman. The number of deaths of women due to heart attacks and strokes is about two and a half times higher than deaths caused by all types of cancer.

Many woman and health specialists believe that heart diseases are more common among men but it is a misconception.

President of National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM), Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, says that the misconception in women regarding the heart disease requires proper awareness and educational programmes. Majority of women thinks that heart attacks and strokes only affect men and due to this they go to the hospital quite late and lose the advantage of early treatments.

Dr. Sim Kui Hian added that the symptoms of heart attacks and stroke in women are sometimes different from the symptoms in men.

The experts suggest that early detection of the disease will be helpful in reducing the cases of heart problems. To protect themselves from heart problems women are advised to visit their doctors regularly.