Representatives of our organization took part in the event “Closing the Gap in Cardiovascular Health: Advancing Innovation and Impact on Women” held at the Northwell Center for Global Health in New York.
The discussion focused on new approaches to preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases among women, as well as the role of innovation in reducing mortality from these conditions.
By 2022, 64% of all deaths in Ukraine were caused by cardiovascular diseases — the same leading cause of death globally.
For years, these illnesses were considered more “male,” but this is a myth — heart disease is now the number one killer of women.
Experts emphasized that heart attack symptoms in women often differ from those typically seen in men. Instead of sharp chest pain, women may experience nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. Recognizing these signs in time can save lives.
The discussion also addressed how stress, anxiety, and depression affect cardiovascular health — factors that have become especially critical for Ukrainian women during wartime.
According to experts, up to 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented.
Doctors recommend:
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at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity;
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quitting smoking, alcohol, and fatty foods;
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maintaining emotional balance;
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seeking social support and connection during difficult times.
The participation of Ukrainian representatives in this event marked an important step toward integrating our experience into the global dialogue on women’s health and strengthening international medical cooperation.
