Kuala Lampur, Nov. 21 -- Heart failure is often seen as a condition that mainly affects men, but this assumption has contributed to a worrying blind spot in women's health. Millions of women around the world live with heart failure, and many remain unaware of the danger growing quietly within them. Because their symptoms often do not fit the typical picture of heart disease, women are frequently diagnosed late. By the time the condition is recognised, it may already be advanced and more difficult to treat.

Men often experience heart failure in a way that is visibly dramatic. They report chest tightness, swollen legs or sudden breathlessness. Women, however, tend to notice softer and more confusing signs. They may feel unusually tired, br...