This is what EVERY woman should know about heart attack

Let’s break the myth once and for all - while heart diseases might widely be known as ‘man’s disease’, as per recent research, it has emerged to become the leading cause of death in women.

In fact, cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks, globally, is responsible for 35% of all female deaths.

While men may be at higher risk for heart disease and heart attack s at a younger age, heart disease is a significant health concern for both men and women. Moreover, while women are as likely to have a heart attack as men, they are more likely to die from one. And this is often attributed to delayed diagnosis and undertreatment of CVD in women.


But why so?


Read on to know more.


The age factor:

While heart attacks are more common in older adults, there's a growing concern about their incidence in younger women, particularly those between 20 and 40. The American Heart Association notes that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and heart attacks can occur at younger ages than traditionally thought.


Why so?

Increased incidence: Research suggests that heart attacks are becoming more prevalent in younger women, with some studies showing a rise in hospitalizations for heart attacks among those under 55.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): SCAD, a tear in the artery wall, is a common cause of heart attacks in younger women, often affecting those with no other risk factors.

Underlying conditions: Young women may be more likely to have underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease that increase their risk of heart attack.

Subtle symptoms: Women may experience less common or more subtle heart attack symptoms compared to men, potentially leading to delays in seeking medical attention.


However, older women are at increased risk for heart attacks due to a combination of factors, including the decline in estrogen after menopause, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, women tend to experience heart attacks at an older age compared to men, and they may be more prone to undiagnosed or untreated risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Furthermore, women may have different heart attack symptoms than men, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.


Here's a more detailed look:

Estrogen Decline: Before menopause, estrogen helps protect women from heart disease. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. This decline in estrogen can also lead to changes in the blood vessels, making it easier for plaque to build up and for blood clots to form, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Age and Increased Risk: Women typically experience heart attacks at an older age compared to men. Age itself is an independent risk factor for heart disease, and the risk increases with age. This means that older women are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a heart attack due to age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels.

Undiagnosed or Untreated Risk Factors: Women may be more likely to have underlying risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, that go undiagnosed or untreated. This can lead to more severe heart attacks and increased health problems after a heart attack.

Different Symptoms and Diagnosis: Women may experience different symptoms of a heart attack than men, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness, which can be less obvious and delay diagnosis. This can lead to delayed treatment and potentially worse outcomes.


Mortality rate in women due to heart attack:

Women may experience higher mortality rates after a heart attack compared to men due to a combination of factors, including delayed diagnosis, different symptoms, and unique risk factors. Women are often diagnosed later than men, and their heart attack symptoms can be less distinct, leading to a delayed response. Additionally, women may have higher rates of certain conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can contribute to more severe heart attacks.

The reasons might be as such:

Delayed Diagnosis: Women are more likely to experience atypical heart attack symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, which can be misinterpreted or dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Different Symptoms: While chest pain is a common symptom of heart attack in both men and women, women are more likely to experience other symptoms like pain in the neck, jaw, or back, which can be less recognized as heart attack related.

Unique Risk Factors: Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause, can increase a woman's risk for heart disease. Additionally, pregnancy-related complications like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes can also elevate a woman's risk.

Underrepresentation in Research: Historically, women have been underrepresented in cardiovascular research, leading to a lack of specific knowledge about heart attack risks and outcomes in women.

Treatments and Procedures: Women are sometimes less likely to receive the same treatments and procedures as men, such as cardiac catheterization, potentially contributing to poorer outcomes.

Social Determinants: Factors like stress, lack of support, and depression can also contribute to poorer outcomes for women after a heart attack.


Early symptoms of heart disease in women :

Early symptoms of heart disease in women can be subtle and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness, or even pain in the neck, jaw, or upper back. Women may also experience atypical symptoms like indigestion or heartburn, which are less commonly associated with heart problems in men. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.


More detailed information about early symptoms:

Fatigue: Women may experience unusual fatigue, even after sufficient rest, which can be a significant early symptom of heart disease.

Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath, even during light activities, can be an indicator of heart problems.

Nausea and Vomiting: Some women may experience nausea or vomiting during a heart attack, which can be a more common symptom in women than in men.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting can also be early symptoms of heart disease.

Pain or Discomfort in the Chest: While chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease, women may experience a more subtle or dull ache or discomfort, rather than the severe pain often associated with heart attacks.

Pain in the Neck, Jaw, or Upper Back: Some women experience pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back, which can be a sign of heart disease.

Indigestion and Heartburn: These gastrointestinal symptoms may be a less obvious sign of heart disease in women, but should be considered.

Sweating: Unexplained sweating, especially cold sweats, can also be a symptom of heart disease or a heart attack.