Ask Dr Natalie Koh any question about heart health and heart conditions for women.
About this 'Ask the Specialist' Q&A
In this 'Ask the Specialist' Q&A, Dr Natalie Koh, Senior Consultant from the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the SingHealth group, answers your questions on dementia. This forum is open from 19 Feb to 19 Mar 2026. To submit your question, please email to singhealth.healthxchange@singhealth.com.sg Please avoid submitting personal details and clinical information (such as scans, test results etc). Please note this Q&A is for general information only and not a clinical diagnosis. Please allow up to two weeks for your question to be answered. We reserve the right to choose which questions to answer. You will be notified by email if your question is answered and all answers will be shown on this page. We reserve the right to close this Q&A early. |
Heart disease can affect women at all ages, and particularly after menopause.
In Singapore, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death among women.
Heart disease proves deadlier in women, and it is often undiagnosed or undertreated.
While chest pain remains the hallmark symptom of a heart attack, women are more likely to exhibit atypical symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Back, neck or jaw pain, and
- Fatigue
Women are also more likely to dismiss these symptoms, and less likely to see a doctor when symptoms of heart disease appear, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention through early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors offers the best protection against heart disease in women.
Key risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)
- Obesity,
- Unhealthy diet,
- Sedentary lifestyle, and
- Smoking
By understanding and actively managing these risks, women can take control of their cardiovascular health and improve their outcomes.
Don't miss this chance to ask Dr Natalie Koh what you can do to lower your risk of heart disease!
Related articles:
Women's Heart Health: While Different, Never Less
Cardiovascular Diseases - Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
Why women should protect their hearts against cardiovascular disease | NHCS News
About Dr Natalie Koh
Dr. Natalie Koh is a Senior Consultant with the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), where she leads the Cardiometabolic Service and a multimodal cardiac imaging portfolio.
She is certified in advanced Cardiac CT and Echocardiography, and co-founded the Cardiac CT Laboratory at Sengkang General Hospital (NHCS@SKH).
In 2023, she launched Singapore’s first academic Cardiac CT Perfusion service, advancing diagnostic precision for cardiometabolic disease.
She contributes to regional leadership through the Asia-Pacific Society of Cardiology and the Asia-Pacific Cardio Metabolic Consortium (Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia steering committees).
Her work has been recognized with awards including the 2021 Healthcare Manpower Development Clinical Fellowship Award.
Ref: F26
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