On this WHO, World Heart Day 2025, themed Don’t Miss a Beat, I reflect on the powerful dialogues convened during the 80th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

Across our discussions on self-care with the Global Self-Care Federation, the Women’s Health Impact Tracking Platform McKinsey Health Institute at the World Economic Forum, and the Spotlight on Menopause with UNFPA and Bayer, a clear and connected message emerged, women’s cardiovascular health must be safeguarded across the entire life course.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women, claiming more than 8 million lives annually, yet remains under-recognised and under-diagnosed. Evidence presented highlights that self-care practices reduce risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, empowering women to take preventive action through health literacy, access to safe products, and community support. The World Economic Forum, Women’s Health Impact Tracking Platform data further revealed that closing the women’s health gap could generate up to $1 trillion in global economic returns annually by 2040, with ischaemic heart disease and menopause identified as two of the largest unmet needs.

Menopause, far from being a peripheral issue, is a cardiovascular turning point. Declining oestrogen accelerates cardiometabolic risk, and untreated menopausal symptoms heighten the likelihood of chronic disease in later life. With over 1.2 billion women projected to be postmenopausal by 2030, integrating menopause into cardiovascular strategies and self-care frameworks is essential for both prevention and equity.

On this World Heart Day, let us pledge to continue connecting these strands into one urgent commitment, to scale evidence-based self-care, embed menopause into prevention and policy, and hold ourselves accountable through rigorous tracking of outcomes. Only then can we ensure that women everywhere live not only longer lives, but healthier ones, without missing a beat.