Women are often the ones who keep a family’s health on track, but doctors say their own hearts are frequently left waiting. Ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, specialists urged women to give greater priority to heart health, warning that smoking and second-hand smoke raise their risk.

The message came from doctors in Patna, reported by ANI on September 28. They said women commonly put family needs ahead of their own, delaying check-ups and ignoring early symptoms. That delay can allow heart disease to advance quietly before it is caught.

World Heart Day, observed every September 29 and led by the World Heart Federation, is built around awareness this year. The 2026 theme is “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlighting how heart disease can hide in plain sight, with warning signs going unnoticed until the condition becomes serious.

Doctors note that women’s heart symptoms can be harder to spot. They may resemble acidity, tiredness or stress rather than the classic chest pain, according to a 2026 WHO report. Specialists advise women to learn the less obvious signs and seek medical advice early.