When people think of heart attacks, severe chest pain and difficulty breathing are usually the first symptoms that come to mind. However, Dr. Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP from the UK Care Guide, emphasizes that the reality can be very different, particularly for women.
Women often experience subtler, “less typical” heart attack symptoms, leading to them being missed or mistaken for other conditions like stress or indigestion. Dr. Cunningham explains, “Women tend to overlook or misinterpret their heart attack symptoms because the traditional image of a heart attack—as sudden, crushing chest pain—is based mostly on men’s experiences.” Common signs in women include nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and discomfort in areas such as the back, neck, jaw, or arms.
Cultural and psychological factors also contribute. Women may prioritize caregiving and other responsibilities over their own health, delaying crucial medical attention.
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This disparity is supported by findings from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which in 2019 reported significant gender gaps in heart attack treatment in the UK. Women are 50% more likely to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis, and misdiagnosed patients have a 70% higher risk of death. Additionally, risk factors such as high blood pressure appear to raise women’s heart attack risk 80% more than men’s.
Tragically, these issues persist today. In 2023, researchers at the European Society of Cardiology congress revealed that women are twice as likely to die after a heart attack compared to men. Dr. Mariana Martinho from Portugal’s Hospital Garcia de Orta urged increased awareness and further research into this gender gap in heart attack outcomes.
Dr. Cunningham also highlights the importance of recognizing “silent” heart attacks—painless events that can affect 20 to 60% of cases. “Many patients have no idea they’ve had a heart attack until later complications arise or a routine check-up reveals it,” he says. These silent attacks often lack the classic chest pain and can involve unusual sensations or subtle discomfort.
He advises vigilance for symptoms such as mild chest discomfort, unexplained shortness of breath, light-headedness, nausea, and unusual discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or arms, especially if these symptoms are new or unusual for the individual.
Raising awareness of these gender differences and promoting proactive healthcare, including regular check-ups and understanding personal risk factors, can save lives. Early detection and timely treatment remain critical.
Women and everyone concerned about heart health should seek medical advice promptly if they experience any suspicious or unusual symptoms.