Organon calls for greater awareness on CVD Prevention for women

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CARDIOVASCULAR disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet it continues to be overlooked as a critical women's health issue. This is due to women being under-diagnosed and under-treated due to misconceptions and lack of awareness among both patients and doctors.

WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH By fostering education and early intervention, Organon aims to contribute to developing a healthier, more resilient society, where women’s heart health is a priority. The message is clear: taking proactive steps today can lead to a healthier heart and a better future. IMAGE FROM ORGANON

In the Philippines, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 60,253 cases or 19.8 percent of the total deaths in the country from January to August 2024. Despite these alarming numbers, many women remain unaware of their risk factors, often prioritizing family and community health over their own.

This Women's Month, Organon — dedicated to advancing women's health at every stage of life — is raising awareness on the preventability and treatability of heart disease, urging women to take proactive steps toward better cardiovascular health.

As part of its commitment to a patient-centric approach, Organon highlights the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes and access to health care in preventing CVD among women. While heart disease is often associated with men, statistics show that women are more vulnerable due to biological, hormonal and social factors that influence their risk.

Heart disease is a broad term encompassing several conditions affecting the heart's structure and function. The most common form, coronary heart disease, occurs when plaque — consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood — builds up in the arteries.

This restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attacks. Once a person develops coronary heart disease, it becomes a lifelong condition requiring continuous management.

Common risks include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, an unhealthy diet, stress and lack of physical activity. While some factors like age and family history cannot be changed, many risks are controllable through lifestyle modifications.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing CVD in women is breaking cultural barriers that make women's heart health a lesser priority. Organon emphasizes that every heart is important and that early prevention can lead to significantly better health outcomes.

The health care organization encourages women to take charge of their heart health by setting "Smart" goals — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound targets for a healthier lifestyle.

Small but consistent changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, quitting smoking and ensuring adequate sleep can make a significant difference.

For women struggling to control certain risk factors, consulting a health care provider is crucial. In some cases, medications may be needed to manage conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes.

Organon's global advocacy for women's cardiovascular health includes initiatives like Wear Red Day, an awareness campaign in the US that emphasizes the impact of heart disease on women. While this specific campaign is not observed in the Philippines, Organon Philippines continues to align with its global mission by championing heart health awareness and empowering women to take preventive action.

Organon is a global health care company dedicated to making a world of difference for women, their families and the communities they care for. In the Philippines, Organon continues to advocate for better access to health care, early disease detection and preventive measures to address critical health concerns, including cardiovascular disease.

To learn more about Organon's initiatives, visit www.organon.com.