Heart disease has long been associated with men, often leading to the belief that it predominantly affects them. However, the reality is that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

Shockingly, cardiac events in women often go unrecognized, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses and potentially fatal consequences. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this concerning trend and shed light on the importance of understanding and acknowledging cardiac events in women.

1. Gender-Based Misconceptions

One of the primary reasons cardiac events can go unrecognized in women is the prevailing gender-based misconceptions surrounding heart disease.

Traditionally, heart disease has been considered a “man’s disease,” leading to a lack of awareness in women about their own risk factors. Consequently, women may dismiss or downplay their symptoms, attributing them to other causes like stress or anxiety.

2. Atypical Symptoms

Unlike men, who often experience classic symptoms like chest pain or pressure during a heart attack, women tend to exhibit atypical symptoms.

These symptoms can be easily mistaken for other less life-threatening conditions, causing women to overlook the possibility of a cardiac event. Atypical symptoms in women may include shortness of breath, nausea, jaw pain, back pain, or extreme fatigue.

3. Misdiagnosis and Underdiagnosis

Healthcare providers, including doctors and emergency room staff, have historically been less vigilant in recognizing cardiac events in women compared to men.

The atypical symptoms mentioned earlier, combined with the gender-based misconceptions, can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Symptoms may be attributed to conditions such as acid reflux, anxiety disorders, or musculoskeletal issues, delaying the appropriate diagnosis and necessary treatment.

4. Hormonal Factors

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can impact her cardiovascular health. Estrogen, which is present in higher levels pre-menopause, is known to have a protective effect on the heart.

As women age and undergo hormonal changes, their risk of heart disease increases. However, these hormonal factors are often overlooked when evaluating cardiac symptoms in women, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.

5. Delayed Seek for Medical Attention

Women’s inclination to prioritize the health and well-being of others over their own plays a significant role in the delayed seeking of medical attention.

Societal expectations, caregiving responsibilities, and putting others’ needs first often lead women to downplay their symptoms or delay seeking help. This delay can be detrimental, as prompt medical intervention is crucial in minimizing damage and saving lives during a cardiac event.

6. Lack of Awareness and Education

Insufficient awareness and education about heart disease in women contribute to the underrecognition of cardiac events.

Public health campaigns, media coverage, and education initiatives have historically focused primarily on men, perpetuating the misconception that heart disease mainly affects them. By expanding awareness and education efforts to include women, we can empower them to recognize the signs and symptoms of cardiac events and seek timely medical intervention.

7. Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in healthcare access, leading to differences in the recognition and treatment of cardiac events. Minority women, particularly those from low-income communities, face multiple barriers in accessing quality healthcare.

Limited access to primary care, attitudinal biases, language barriers, and lack of cultural competence contribute to the underrecognition of cardiac events in these populations.

Cardiac events can affect women of all ages, but certain age-related factors should be considered. Younger women are typically not seen as high-risk candidates for heart disease, which can result in underrecognition of symptoms and delayed diagnoses.

Additionally, menopause is a critical period for women’s cardiovascular health. Without proper attention to the increased risks during menopause, cardiac events can easily go unrecognized.

9. Psychological Factors

Psychological factors can also contribute to cardiac events being unrecognized in women. Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are common among women and can mask or amplify symptoms of heart disease.

These mental health conditions may lead to a heightened focus on emotional well-being rather than physical health, detracting attention from potential cardiac symptoms.

10. Lack of Research on Women

Historically, most cardiovascular research has focused predominantly on men.

The lack of representation of women in clinical trials and studies has resulted in limited knowledge and understanding of the unique cardiac risks and symptoms women may experience. This knowledge gap can lead to underrecognition of cardiac events in women and hinder appropriate diagnosis and treatment.