If you think of heart disease as a “man’s disease,” you’re not alone. Many women aren’t aware of their risk. But the truth is that heart disease is the number one cause of death among both men and women – and women are more likely than men to die from a heart attack.
Men and women don’t always experience heart conditions in the same way or have the same outcomes – especially when it comes to having a heart attack. There are many reasons why this misconception exists, including women having different symptoms and being less likely to seek help.
Here are seven things to know about heart attacks in women, and why they’re not always the same as heart attacks in men.
1. Symptoms of Heart Attack Can Look Different in Women.
Chest pain or discomfort is the main symptom for everyone, regardless of sex. But beyond that, the symptoms tend to be a bit different.
While men are known to have heavy chest pain, like an “elephant sitting on the chest,” women’s pain might not be as severe. It can feel more like a dull ache or tightness in the chest.
And, with or without chest pain, women are more likely to have symptoms that aren’t always associated with heart attacks.
Women can also have other symptoms, like unusual fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or numbness in the fingers.
Read more on Duly Health and Care: Is It a Heart Attack or Indigestion?
2. The Risk of a “Silent” Heart Attack May Be Higher in Women.
A silent heart attack is one that typically goes undiagnosed as a heart attack for weeks or even months. This type of heart attack causes symptoms that people don’t recognize as ones of a heart attack, like indigestion or feeling like you strained a muscle in your upper back, or it may not cause any symptoms at all.
While a silent heart attack isn’t always painful – or even noticeable – it is still very serious. It can severely damage your heart, but you might not get the care you need because you don’t realize you need help.
Some studies vary, but many researchers agree that silent heart attacks are more common in women. Your risk might be even greater if you have diabetes.
Taking charge of your heart health today can help prevent serious issues in the future. Schedule an appointment with a South Bend Clinic cardiologist to discuss your risk factors and make lifestyle adjustments for a healthier heart.
Also read: Rediscovering Your Rhythm
3. Heart Attacks May Happen for Different Reasons in Women.
There aren’t just differences in how women experience heart attacks – there are also differences in why they have them and what’s happening in their bodies.
One of the major differences is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD can block blood flow to parts of your heart muscle, leading to a heart attack. It is the main cause of heart attack, but it’s not the only one. Women are more likely than men to have heart attacks due to other heart and blood vessel conditions. This is called a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA).
Additionally, there are certain risk factors for heart attacks that affect women differently. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, stress, and smoking can all increase the risk for heart attack – but they’re known to increase the risk even more in women.
4. Women Are Less Likely to Seek Help.
It’s just as important for women to get help for a heart attack as it is for men, but some women don’t. If they don’t have the less common signs of a heart attack, women may chalk their symptoms up to stress or anxiety, or downplay their symptoms. They may also be more likely than men to delay going to the hospital.
Unfortunately, this can have devastating consequences and has resulted in women having a higher risk of developing serious health problems after a heart attack. Waiting too long to get treatment, or not getting help at all, can make a heart attack even more dangerous.
Also read: When Should I See a Cardiologist?
5. Both Women and Men Need to Get Help for a Heart Attack Immediately.
Sex and specific symptoms don’t matter when someone is having a heart attack. If you or someone you’re with have sudden severe chest pain, unexplained chest pain that doesn’t go away after a few minutes, or symptoms that could point to a heart attack, call 9−1−1 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital, unless you have no other option.
6. Heart Attacks Are Increasing in Young Women.
Heart attacks are more likely as you get older, and women may be more likely than men to have them at an older age. But that doesn’t mean that young women are in the clear.
Recent research has found that the rate of heart attacks in older adults has been decreasing, while the rate in people ages 35 to 54 has seen an increase. This increase is especially noticeable in women.
Researchers aren’t entirely certain why this is, but it may be because people are starting to have risk factors for heart attack, like high blood pressure or diabetes, at a younger age.
7. For Both Women and Men, Prevention Is Key.
Whether it’s to prevent or treat a heart attack, paying attention to your heart health is vital. Make sure you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms, including some of the lesser-known ones, and always get help if you suspect a problem.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, and avoiding smoking are all great ways to reduce your risk for a heart attack – but they aren’t always enough. Talk to your provider about your risk factors so you can come up with an individualized plan to keep your heart healthy and strong.
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