Women's cardiovascular health: perspectives from South-East Asia

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an under-recognized major health problem among women in South-East Asia, which is compounded by psychological, social, and cultural issues as well as by misconceptions about the disease. In this Review, leading female cardiologists from South-East Asia discuss the changing prevalence of CVD and cardiovascular risk factors among women in the region. The 'heart health awareness' strategies implemented by governments and national heart associations are reviewed, together with the barriers and challenges to improving women's cardiovascular health in South-East Asia.