Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Yet, it remains understudied, under–diagnosed, and under–treated. 

While women are almost 50 per cent more likely than men to be misdiagnosed after a heart attack, heart disease is often considered to be a ‘male issue’.

To understand why this gap still exists and to shine a light on the topic, Dr. Caoimhe Hartley, Clinical Lead Women’s Medicine and GP sat down with Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Sorcha Allen as part of the ‘Her Health’ series from Blackrock Health.

The podcast, Heart Health in Women: When Symptoms Are Missed, Dismissed or Delayed explores critical, nuanced conditions that significantly impact women’s lives.

‘If you polled people on the street, very few would know that more women die of heart disease every year than men,’ says Dr Sorcha Allen.

‘Historically, the very large clinical trials conducted over the last 20 to 30 years predominantly focused on men. 

‘Consequently, medical training was built on the foundation that heart disease impacts men over the age of 55 with specific, “typical” risk factors. 

‘This has led to the misconception that heart disease isn’t a “woman’s issue” in the same way breast cancer or menopause is.

Things to watch for: checking blood pressure is important

‘We are taught to look out for typical heart disease symptoms such as central, crushing chest pain radiating to the jaw or left arm. While some women do experience this, the vast majority present with much more subtle symptoms. 

‘Because they don’t look like the “classic” male presentation, they can be dismissed or result in delayed diagnosis. In cardiology, we are trying to move away from the terms “typical” and “atypical”, because “atypical” symptoms are completely typical for half of the population,’ she adds.

Profound fatigue and a decrease in the ability to exercise are two of the main symptoms Dr Allen sees in the course of her work.

‘Shortness of breath and sleep disturbances are also highly common, particularly in the two weeks leading up to a heart attack.

When women do experience chest discomfort, they often describe it not as crushing pain, but as a band–like pressure, or even as something resembling indigestion or heartburn in the upper abdomen,’ says Dr Allen. 

She adds that women are far more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or attributed to anxiety, gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, or musculoskeletal pain which can contribute to worsened outcomes in the long–term.

Dr. Allen says there are three things women can do to help themselves.

‘Firstly Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Do not write off high readings as “white–coat hypertension” – if it’s high, it needs to be managed,’ she says.

‘Talk to your doctor about your family history of early heart disease, any pregnancy complications you experienced, and any autoimmune/inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) you may have. 

‘And thirdly focus on eating whole, fresh foods 80% of the time, and avoid ultra–processed foods. When it comes to exercise, consistency is key. You don’t need to run marathons; 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week is phenomenal. Additionally, include weight–bearing or resistance exercise to protect your bones and muscles.

‘Most importantly, listen to your body and advocate for yourself. Women are highly prone to minimising their symptoms because they are busy caring for children, careers and aging parents. 

‘If you feel exhausted, breathless, or just “off,” do not dismiss it. If you feel like your concerns are being brushed aside by a doctor, seek a second opinion. No one will ever fault you for ruling out a serious cardiac issue.’

• You can listen to the ‘Her Health podcast with Dr Sorcha Allen and Dr Caoimhe Hartley on all podcast platforms.

At least 160 troops have been sickened and one trainee has died amid a viral flu outbreak at an Air Force base that struck less than two months after the military scrapped its flu vaccination requirements.

In April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that troops would no longer need to get the annual flu shot, jettisoning a rule that had been in place since the 1950s.

Now, Lackland Air Force Base in southern Texas is reported to be battling a flu outbreak at a training wing where hundreds sleep, eat and congregate in close quarters. 

And earlier this week, a trainee in his sixth week of basic training died after becoming sick. 

Keon McDaniel was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center last week after ‘he experienced a medical emergency… where he subsequently passed away’, the Air Force said in a news release.

The press release did not state whether his death was connected to the flu outbreak, saying only that it was ‘under investigation’ while a ‘comprehensive medical review’ was carried out. 

Texas Rep Joaquin Castro said in a statement: ‘After Secretary Hegseth scrapped the military’s flu vaccine mandate, it was only a matter of time before an outbreak occurred.

‘It was a reckless decision that put troops in harm’s way and undermined our military readiness.’

Shown above is a military policeman closing a gate at Lackland Air Force Base in 2021

He added: ‘I am especially concerned by the tragic death of a trainee this past week. 

‘My office has requested the Department of Defense provide a full accounting of the outbreak and investigate the circumstances of the trainee’s death. For the well-being of our servicemembers and community, public health policies must be guided by science, not politics.’

The Daily Mail has contacted the Air Force for comment and has not yet received a response.

In a response to the New York Times, which first reported the story, Air Force officials said the recent outbreak was ‘localized’ to the training wing and that medical personnel were monitoring and offering antiviral medication to trainees who were in contact with sick individuals.

An Air Force official added that since the policy took effect, only about 40 percent of trainees had opted to get the flu vaccine.

In the aftermath of the outbreak, reports suggest that all trainees at the base are now being required to get the flu shot in order to stem the spread of the virus.  

When announcing the end of the vaccine requirement in April, Hegseth said his department was ‘restoring freedom’ to the forces.

‘Under the disastrous Biden administration, this Pentagon waged an unrelenting war on our warriors on many fronts, including when it came to denying them simple medical autonomy and the freedom to express their religious convictions,’ he said in a video released at the time. 

Shown above are military trainees at the Lackland base in Texas. They were pictured in 2019

‘In other words, our men and women in uniform were forced to choose between their conscience and their country.’

More than 37,000 trainees pass through the 37th Training Wing at the base in southern Texas every year.

The Pentagon drew criticism when it first announced that the vaccination policy was to be scrapped. 

Senator John Wicker, of Mississippi, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called ending the requirement a ‘mistake’ at the time.

He said the flu vaccine had been shown to be safe, and drew a contrast between this shot and that for Covid.

He said: ‘I don’t equate them with Covid shots, which were largely experimental and had not stood the test of time.

‘When I was on active duty and a reservist, I dutifully took my flu shot every year. And as a whole, it made for a healthier [armed forces].’

The move was an expansion of the policy update last year, which exempted reservists from the annual flu shot.

More than 8,000 service members were separated from the military for not complying with the Covid vaccine mandate at the Pentagon.

With over 20,000 kebab shops in the UK, 1.3 million dishes sold every day, and the industry estimated to be worth £2.8 billion – Britons truly love the traditional Turkish takeaway.

Kebabs first arrived on British shores in the 1940s, thanks to Soho’s Istanbul Restaurant, with eateries featuring – the now ubiquitous – rotating meat spits starting to appear twenty years later. 

Today, nearly every town across the country features at least one independent kebab shop, with upmarket chains – such as German Döner Kebab – following suit, eager to cash in on the post-pub market and cater to fast food fans who are fed up of fried chicken or burgers.

However, the meal is certainly not the choice of takeaway for the health conscious; there’s an estimated 2,500 calories – the NHS‘ full daily allowance for an adult man – to be found in a typical portion of döner meat and chips.

But while kebabs are often criticised for their high fat and salt content, nutritionists say they can be a better option than many people realise – if you order wisely.

‘The goal isn’t to turn a kebab into a healthy food but to make small changes that improve the overall balance of the meal,’ registered nutritionist Rob Hobson tells the Daily Mail. 

Unlike heavily processed fast food, a kebab can contain a good source of protein from grilled meat, alongside nutrient-rich vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes and onions, and gut-health-boosting pickles.

The biggest health pitfalls often come from oversized portions, creamy sauces and calorific sides such as chips.

A middle eastern speciality of succulent pieces of grilled meat, often served with salad or rice

By making a few smart choices when ordering, our expert says it is possible to cut hundreds of calories, reduce saturated fat and increase fibre intake – without sacrificing flavour.

With that in mind, we asked Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Life, to take a look at a typical kebab shop menu and rate them out of five.

Read on to find out how your choice of dish fared…

Shish kebab 

Before getting into health swaps, our nutritionist says there is a single menu item that is a good choice for health-conscious diners or people on a diet – a shish kebab, a Middle Eastern speciality of succulent pieces of grilled meat, often served with salad or rice. 

‘If you’re looking for the healthiest option on a typical kebab shop menu, then chicken shish would probably be my first choice,’ says Hobson.

‘One of the reasons is that it’s usually made from whole cuts of chicken that have been marinated and grilled on skewers. 

‘Unlike some other kebab options, you’re generally getting recognisable pieces of meat rather than something that has been minced, processed or compressed. From a nutritional perspective, that tends to make it one of the simpler and less processed choices available.

‘Another advantage is that chicken shish is often lower in saturated fat than many other kebab options and are typically served with a substantial salad garnish, which can contribute fibre, vitamins and minerals while helping to create a more balanced meal.’

Verdict: 5/5

Döner kebab

Some examples contained 1,990 calories, nearly a woman’s recommended daily intake, 70g of saturated fat, which is three and half times the women’s daily guideline amount, and 16.5g of salt.

When someone thinks of a kebab, they often think of big rotating columns of greasy meat – or döner meat.

Figures previously released by food standard agents revealed that the average British kebab contained almost 6g of salt – the recommended daily limit – as well as huge amounts of saturated fat and nearly 1,000 calories.

Some examples contained 1,990 calories, nearly a woman’s recommended daily intake, 70g of saturated fat, which is three and half times a women’s daily guideline amount, and 16.5g of salt. 

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It’s near impossible to assess the nutritional information of a döner kebab as you never really know what is on the spit. 

‘Unlike a grilled chicken skewer or a vegetable kebab, you can’t easily identify the ingredients or the proportion of meat and fat that has gone into the final product,’ says Mr Hobson. 

‘Two döner kebabs purchased from different takeaways may look similar but vary considerably in terms of calorie, fat and salt content.’

They might also contain totally different types of meat – or slaughter byproducts.  

Earlier this month, an award-winning kebab distributor was slapped with a £500,000 fine after its ‘lamb’ döner meat was found to have been predominantly made up of skin and fat.

Kismet Kebabs Ltd, based in Essex, claimed its lamb döner contained 87 per cent meat, however it was found to contain 40 per cent of fat and 51 per cent of meat.

It emerged the company was using a ‘large volume of skin, fat and goat’, as well as products that could not be legally defined as meat, despite selling the product to takeaways and restaurants as the authentic Turkish delicacy.

‘Döner kebab would sit much lower down my rankings when it comes to nutritional quality, although I don’t think it’s quite as bad as its reputation sometimes suggests,’ says Mr Hobson. 

‘Compared to options such as chicken shish, döner kebab is generally higher in saturated fat and calories. 

‘A moderate portion of döner served with plenty of salad and a sensible amount of sauce is nutritionally very different from a large döner accompanied by chips, extra bread and multiple servings of garlic mayonnaise.’

Verdict: 2/5

Falafel

Falafel is traditionally made from chickpeas, herbs, spices and onions that are blended together and formed into balls or patties before being fried.

Health-conscious diners may be swayed to switch from their usual loaded meat dish to a vegetarian alternative.

Falafel is traditionally made from chickpeas, herbs, spices and onions that are blended together and formed into balls or patties before being fried. 

Chickpeas are undoubtedly nutritious and they provide plant protein, fibre and a range of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron and magnesium.

However, our expert says that it may not be as healthy a swap as people think.

‘The cooking method is where things become more blurred. Falafel is usually deep-fried, which means it can absorb a significant amount of oil during cooking,’ says Mr Hobson. 

‘As a result, it is often higher in calories and fat than people expect. While some of this fat may come from healthier vegetable oils, it still contributes to the overall calorie content of the meal.

‘The wrap itself can also add a substantial amount of carbohydrate and calories, particularly when combined with generous servings of hummus, tahini, mayonnaise-based sauces and other extras. Individually these ingredients can be nutritious, but together they can quickly turn a seemingly healthy lunch into a very energy-dense meal.

‘For me, falafel sits somewhere in the middle of the rankings. It offers some genuine nutritional benefits thanks to its chickpea base and fibre content, but the frying process and additional ingredients prevent it from scoring higher.’

Verdict: 3/5 

Halloumi Wrap

Halloumi wraps have become increasingly popular in recent years and are often viewed as a healthier alternative to meat-based kebabs.

Halloumi wraps have become increasingly popular in recent years and are often viewed as a healthier alternative to meat-based kebabs – but they are still high in fat and salt.

‘Halloumi is traditionally stored in brine, which contributes to its distinctive flavour but also means it contains considerably more salt than many other protein-rich foods,’ says Mr Hobson.

‘For me, a halloumi wrap sits somewhere in the middle of the rankings. It provides useful amounts of protein and calcium, but the higher levels of saturated fat and salt prevent it from scoring more highly. 

‘One of the reasons halloumi is so satisfying is its protein content, it can make a wrap feel more substantial than a vegetable-only option.

‘It’s a perfectly reasonable choice if you enjoy it, particularly when paired with plenty of salad, but I wouldn’t automatically assume it’s healthier simply because it’s vegetarian.’ 

Verdict: 3/5 

Vegetable Skewer 

Packed with colourful vegetables and typically grilled rather than fried, they are lower in calories and saturated fat while providing fibre, vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in traditional takeaway meals.

Packed with colourful vegetables and typically grilled rather than fried, vegetable skewers are low in calories and saturated fat and provide fibre, vitamins and minerals – which are often lacking in traditional takeaway meals.

‘One of the biggest advantages of a vegetable skewer is that it provides a wider variety of plant foods than most other kebab options,’ says Mr Hobson. 

‘We know that eating a diverse range of plant foods is associated with a healthier diet overall and can help support gut health by providing different types of fibre and beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols.

‘Vegetables are also naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants while being relatively low in calories. 

‘This means you can enjoy a generous portion without dramatically increasing the energy content of the meal. For anyone looking to increase their vegetable intake, a vegetable skewer is an easy win.

‘The reason I haven’t awarded it the top score is because it is often lacking in one key nutrient: protein – and that’s why it falls just short of the top spot.’

Verdict: 4/5 

Köfte 

Traditionally, köfte is made from minced lamb or beef mixed with herbs, spices, onions and seasonings before being shaped onto skewers and grilled.

Traditionally, köfte is made from minced lamb or beef mixed with herbs, spices, onions and seasonings before being shaped onto skewers and grilled.

‘Köfte is generally less processed than a döner kebab, which is one of the reasons I would rank it more favourably,’ says Mr Hobson. 

‘While it is still made from minced meat, it is typically prepared using a relatively simple list of ingredients and cooked fresh on skewers. In contrast, döner meat is usually more heavily processed and can contain higher amounts of added fat.

‘I think köfte strikes a good balance between taste and nutrition. It offers plenty of protein, is generally less processed than a döner and is often cooked using relatively simple ingredients. 

‘The higher fat content compared with lean chicken prevents it from taking the top spot, but it remains one of the better choices available.’

Verdict: 4/5 

Don’t go overboard with sauces

Sauces are packed with hidden calories according to the experts 

A kebab can feel naked unless it is smothered in sauce – be it garlic and chilli or the less exotic ketchup or mayo.

However, with a tablespoon of condiments coming in at nearly 50 calories, it’s advised to go easy with them.

‘Sauces can make a surprisingly big difference. Garlic mayo, chilli mayo and creamy house sauces can add several hundred calories without you really noticing,’ says Mr Hobson.

‘It’s not always the sugar that’s the biggest issue. In most cases it’s the fat content that drives the calories up. A yoghurt-based sauce might be a lighter option and a small amount of chilli sauce can add flavour without dramatically increasing calories.

‘My advice is not to avoid sauces altogether as that is probably what you enjoy, but be mindful of how much you’re adding.’

Kirsty Boswell believed she was making a positive choice – one that would finally put a series of complex, life-ruining health problems behind her.

After battling crippling anxiety for years, the 50-year-old mother of three had been prescribed alprazolam, better known by the brand name Xanax.

The controversial drug worked, for a time. But before long, she realized, like so many who rely on the medication, she couldn’t stop taking it.

In 2021, she began searching for an off ramp. Somewhere along the way, she stumbled across something billed as a ‘natural’ alternative: kratom.

It seemed to offer everything she wanted: pharmaceutical-free relief from anxiety, and a way off her increasingly addictive prescription medication.

Better still, it was readily available at a local shop. No prescription, medical consultation or intrusive questions needed.

Yet, despite all her good intentions, it was a decision she ultimately paid for with her life.

On February 8, 2026, having become reliant on ever-increasing amounts of the supplement, she laid down for a nap and never woke up.

Kirsty Boswell, who decided to take kratom to treat her anxiety instead of Xanex, died in February

Boswell with her daughter Lauren Lopez, who said her mother took several tablets of 7-OH every day to stave off withdrawal

Toxicology investigations could not determine whether she overdosed on kratom – Boswell had at some point begun taking an ultrapotent form of the supplement called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) – or if the damage occurred over time.

According to the medical examiner investigating the case, the latter was the most likely scenario.

Boswell’s grieving daughter Lauren Lopez, still reeling from the loss, said that in trying to quit Xanax, her mother had become inadvertently addicted to kratom.

‘She would try to come off it, but would suffer withdrawals that were too intense for her to deal with,’ Lopez said. ‘She would feel so sick and just end up taking more to cope.

‘But she thought it was safe. I think if she had known that it was ultimately going to kill her then she probably would have stopped.’ 

While Boswell’s story is tragic, it is not unique. Instead, it highlights growing concerns about a substance that is widely marketed as a natural wellness product, but can have effects similar to powerful opioid drugs.

Derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom is sold legally across much of the US in smoke shops, convenience stores and online. It can come in powder, capsule, liquid and tablet form.

According to the American Kratom Association, it has grown into a $1.5 billion-a-year industry.

Lopez called the packaging for kratom and 7-OH products dangerously vague

The substance is commonly promoted as a natural way to relieve pain, ease anxiety and depression, and even help people overcome opioid addiction. 

But experts warn that kratom’s ingredients act on the same opioid receptors in the brain targeted by drugs such as oxycodone.

At lower doses, users may feel more alert and energetic. At higher doses, kratom can produce pain relief, sedation and a sense of calm – it has been dubbed ‘gas station heroin’ by some. 

In concentrated forms, particularly products containing 7-OH, critics say the risks can escalate dramatically.

‘It was very shocking and it took months for it to set in,’ Lopez said, recalling the moment she learned of her mother’s sudden death. ‘I was in denial for quite some time.

‘Mom was getting ready to start a new job. She had three grandchildren and three children that she loved a lot. She had so much to live for.’

Boswell’s toxicology report listed pulmonary edema – a build-up of fluid in the lungs that can make breathing increasingly difficult.

Experts say the condition has been seen in some fatal kratom poisoning cases, particularly when large amounts are consumed or when potent extracts are involved.

7-OH pills are sold openly on the shelves of smoke shops and gas stations across much of the US with no prescription and no warning label required 

The substance’s opioid-like effects can also suppress breathing. In severe cases, that can deprive the body of oxygen and prove fatal.

Doctors have also raised concerns about the effects of long-term use on other organs.

Studies have linked kratom to liver injury, while case reports have associated it with heart rhythm disturbances and, in rare instances, cardiac arrest.

Yet, because it is sold as an herbal supplement rather than medicine, the substance is not subject to the same rigorous safety testing required for prescription drugs.

Nor is it required to carry warning labels. 

In July 2025, the Trump administration took formal steps toward banning 7-OH, recommending that the Drug Enforcement Administration add the compound to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, alongside heroin and MDMA. 

A formal decision has yet to be made.  

With no federal ban in place, states have been left to make their own rules.

Several, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont and Louisiana, have effectively outlawed kratom by classifying its active ingredients as controlled substances.

Kratom-related poison center calls that led to serious medical outcomes, by single- vs multiple-substance exposure

Others have chosen regulation instead. Texas, Utah and Arizona, for example, limit the potency of kratom products. Florida and Kentucky have moved to ban concentrated 7-OH products altogether.

The result is a patchwork system in which products that are illegal in one state can still be bought over the counter in another.

A recent government report shows that poison center calls about kratom have skyrocketed in the US. Between 2015 and 2025, these reports jumped by about 1,200 percent, from 258 calls to over 3,400 in 2025 alone. 

Many of these incidents are a consequence of kratom being mixed with alcohol or other drugs, as well as the emergence of newer, more concentrated products. 

In Florida, registered nurse and mother-of-four Krystal Talavera died after taking a concentrated kratom product known as ‘Space Dust.’ 

A coroner ruled she died from acute mitragynine intoxication – poisoning caused by mitragynine, the main psychoactive compound found in kratom.

In Oregon, carpenter Matthew Torres died after suffering a seizure linked to kratom use. 

He had taken the supplement believing it was a safer alternative to opioid painkillers. 

Krystal Talavera, 39, with one of her children. She died after taking the concentrated kratom product ‘Space Dust’

Matthew Torres was using kratom for pain relief as he thought it was non-addictive

His death was attributed to the toxic effects of mitragynine, and his family has since launched legal action against the retailer that sold it to him. 

Critics argue that one reason kratom remains so popular is the way it is marketed.

Lopez said the products often carry little information about their risks – a concern echoed by addiction specialists.

Dr Sylvie Stacy, medical officer at Rehab.com, said many users underestimate the dangers because products are often sold without clear warnings about dependence, drug interactions or opioid-like effects.

‘It’s unfortunate but understandable that people start using them without realizing the risks and then develop a habit,’ she told the Daily Mail.

For Lopez, that message comes too late.

‘Really consider what you’re putting into your body and don’t be in denial that you’re addicted to something,’ she said. ‘Just because something is labeled natural doesn’t mean that it’s safe.’