Heart attacks are often associated with severe chest pain and sudden collapse in men because of how they are portrayed in movies. But in reality, the symptoms of a heart attack can be much more subtle, especially in women. These symptoms are often ignored or dismissed as a minor ailment that can have devastating consequences.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in India, accounting for approximately 18% of all female deaths. Despite these alarming statistics, the symptoms of heart disease in women are often misunderstood, underestimated, or ignored altogether.
In an interview with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr. Rajat Mohan, Head of Cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi , emphasizes the need for awareness and shares five symptoms of heart attack in women.
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Are women less prone to heart attacks?
Dr. Mohan explains that the difference in heart disease rates between men and women is often related to hormones. Before menopause, women have fewer heart problems. Once menopause occurs, women’s blood pressure begins to rise, and with it, their likelihood of developing heart problems increases.
This protective effect is thought to be related to natural hormones such as estrogen, which help maintain blood vessel health. However, after menopause, women’s risk of heart disease increases significantly, often equaling or exceeding that of men.
Silent symptoms of heart attack in women
Unlike the classic symptoms of severe chest pain that men experience, women may exhibit more subtle symptoms of a heart attack. Here are five silent signs that women and their families should be aware of.
1. Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms reported by women who are having a heart attack. Surprisingly, it often occurs without chest pain. “Sometimes women deny chest pain but report significant shortness of breath even after mild activities like walking or climbing stairs,” notes Dr. Mohan. “It’s not easy to ignore this respiratory problem.”
2. Unusual fatigue and sleep disturbances
Extreme fatigue, especially if it’s unusual or unrelated to physical activity, could be a sign of a heart problem. Women may also have trouble sleeping, which could be an early warning sign, according to research from the British Heart Foundation.
3. Discomfort behind the sternum
Instead of severe pain, women may feel a heaviness, tightness, or pressure behind the breastbone. This discomfort can often be mistaken for indigestion, nausea, or anxiety.
4. Pain that radiates to the shoulder, jaw, or arm
Dr. Mohan notes that heart attack pain may not be limited to the chest. It can radiate to the shoulder, jaw, or inner arm, making it more difficult to diagnose a heart-related problem.
5. Sweating and dizziness
Cold sweats, pale skin, dizziness, and lightheadedness are all symptoms that women often ignore as unrelated to heart problems. However, these symptoms can indicate a serious problem, especially when combined with other symptoms and risk factors.
Why is heart attack not clearly diagnosed in women?
“If you go to any coronary care unit, if there are, say, 10 beds, you will see that there will be about 8-9 men admitted and only 1-2 women,” says Dr. Mohan. This should make us think about why women show fewer heart problems than men.
As mentioned earlier, studies show that women wait significantly longer than men to seek treatment for a heart attack. While men seek help within 16 hours, women wait almost 54 hours. This delay can have life-threatening consequences.
Several factors contribute to this uncertainty.
- Women may attribute their symptoms to less serious problems, such as stress or digestive problems, which also leads to misdiagnosis.
- Lack of awareness about unusual symptoms of heart attack in women may lead to underestimation of this problem.
- Societal expectations that women prioritize others over themselves can lead to neglecting their own health.
Another contributing factor, according to the British Heart Foundation, is attributed to women being given less effective treatment, due to the general perception that subtle symptoms do not indicate anything serious.
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What can women do to protect their heart health and get the right diagnosis?
- Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health, especially after menopause.
- Avoid smoking, reduce stress, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
- Pay attention to changes in your health and don’t ignore unusual symptoms.
- If you suspect a heart attack or even something close to it, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, every second counts.
Be on your guard.
Heart disease in women is a silent killer that often sneaks up on you unnoticed until it’s too late. Understanding the unique symptoms women face and taking early action can save lives. Better awareness of women’s specific symptoms is critical to reducing delays in treatment and saving lives.
Dr. Mohan stresses the importance of recognizing and acting on these subtle signs. Heart problems in women don’t always manifest as severe chest pain. Difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or even discomfort behind the breastbone can indicate a serious problem. “Women should take these symptoms seriously and seek medical attention immediately.”
