Doctor highlights eight overlooked heart attack signs in women
Dr. Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at UK Care Guide, has drawn attention to the fact that women may experience more subtle symptoms of a heart attack that are often ignored or mistaken for other health issues. While severe chest pain and breathlessness are commonly associated with heart attacks, Dr. Cunningham explained that symptoms in women can manifest quite differently, such as nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath, which are frequently overlooked or attributed to stress or indigestion. He mentioned that the traditional perception of a heart attack as sudden and severe chest pain is primarily based on men’s experiences, whereas women may exhibit less typical symptoms. Dr. Cunningham also noted that cultural and psychological factors might contribute to women delaying seeking help due to prioritising others’ needs over their health.
A study by the British Heart Foundation in 2019 revealed disparities in the treatment of heart attacks for men and women, citing lack of awareness and hospital misdiagnosis as significant risks. Shockingly, the study found that women had a 50% higher chance of an incorrect initial diagnosis during a heart attack, with both men and women facing a 70% greater risk of death if initially misdiagnosed. Certain risk factors for heart disease, the primary cause of heart attacks, have a more severe impact on women, with high blood pressure identified as significantly more dangerous for females, increasing their risk of a heart attack by 80% more compared to males.
Survival rates post-heart attack also depict a stark disparity between genders. At a European Society of Cardiology congress last year, it was highlighted that women are twice as likely to die following a heart attack compared to men. Dr. Mariana Martinho from Hospital Garcia de Orta in Portugal stressed the need for greater awareness of heart disease risks in women, emphasising the necessity for more research to address the gender disparity in prognosis after myocardial infarction.
Dr. Cunningham stressed the importance of recognising ‘silent’ heart attacks, which can go unnoticed due to the absence of typical chest pain symptoms. These types of heart attacks, occurring in 20 to 60% of cases according to the Cleveland Clinic, may present with symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or arms. Vigilance towards these signs, especially if they are unusual for an individual, is crucial for early detection and treatment.
The NHS lists potential heart attack symptoms as chest pain, pain spreading to other parts of the body, lightheadedness, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, anxiety, and coughing or wheezing. Dr. Cunningham highlighted the necessity for raising awareness about the differences in heart attack symptoms in women and promoting proactive healthcare behaviours. Regular check-ups and understanding personal risk factors can make a significant impact on early detection and treatment.
This report underlines the critical need for heightened awareness of heart attack symptoms in women and the importance of proactive healthcare to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in treatment and survival rates. Vigilance and early intervention can make a profound difference in detecting and addressing heart health issues, especially among women.