Expert Opinion on Screening and Risk Stratification of Heart Diseases in Indian Women

Abstract

This expert opinion addresses the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among Indian women, suggesting strategies for screening and risk assessment. A panel of expert cardiologists ( n = 99) developed a questionnaire for screening CVD and risk stratification, analyzing discussion points and opinions to formulate recommendations. Experts strongly agreed that ischemic heart diseases remain underdiagnosed and undertreated among Indian women. Women should be screened for future risk of atherosclerotic CVD at the age of 45–50 years if they have diabetes or other CV risk factors. Experts strongly recommended targeted screening for CVD among women during and post-pregnancy period. Women should be screened for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) risks during pregnancy and post-delivery, with dyspnea, edema, and tachycardia being the most common red flags in the diagnosis of PPCM among Indian women. This expert opinion report provides a comprehensive overview of expert cardiologists’ recommendations for screening heart diseases and risk stratification in Indian women.