Cardiovascular disease tops the list of female deaths, urges Belgian cardiology league

The Belgian League of Cardiology has highlighted that heart disease remains the top cause of mortality for women, killing many times more than breast cancer. A poll involving 1,021 Belgian citizens revealed that merely a quarter of those surveyed are aware of this danger, and over a third incorrectly assume that heart-attack signs do not differ between the sexes. To address the knowledge gap, the league is rolling out a nationwide initiative titled "Le Cœur des Femmes" as part of Heart Week 2026, which runs from the start of the week until the end of September.

The campaign urges women to schedule a full cardiovascular assessment when they reach about 50 years of age. Experts stress that prevention is crucial, noting that roughly one in three women will experience a heart condition and that most cases could be avoided through healthier lifestyles and early detection.