Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with several warning signs indicating the onset of a cardiac event.

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women, with gender differences observed in how the disease manifests itself.

Women at a Higher Risk of Fatal Heart Attacks

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women are at a higher risk of sudden and fatal heart attacks compared to men. This could be due to the fact that women tend to experience different symptoms from men.

For instance, while men commonly report a chest pain or discomfort as a sign of a heart attack, women may experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, back or jaw pain, as well as extreme fatigue or weakness. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis of a heart attack and affect a woman’s chance of survival.

Chest Pain as a Common Denominator

Despite the differences in symptoms, there are some warning signs that are universal and shared by both genders.

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack, although women are more likely to experience a sensation of pressure, tightness or discomfort in the chest rather than an acute pain. Chest pain can radiate to the arms, back, neck or jaw and can be accompanied by sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.

Other Symptoms More Common in Women

Aside from chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely to experience a variety of symptoms that are often overlooked. These include:.

Extreme fatigue or weakness: This can occur during a heart attack and can be described as feeling sudden and overwhelming fatigue, unlike normal tiredness.
Shortness of breath: Women may experience shortness of breath more often than men during a heart attack.
Indigestion or heartburn: This can indicate a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, nausea or vomiting.
Nausea or vomiting: Women may feel nauseous or vomit during a heart attack, which can make it harder to diagnose.
Back or jaw pain: Women report back or jaw pain more often than men during a heart attack, and may dismiss this as a sign of stress or a dental problem.
Anxiety or depression: These symptoms may occur before, during or after a heart attack, and can negatively affect a woman’s recovery.

Risk Factors for Heart Attack in Women

Women are more likely to develop heart disease if they have a family history of the condition, smoke, are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or have diabetes.

Women who have experienced menopause are also at a higher risk of heart disease, as the decrease in estrogen levels can affect the health of their blood vessels.

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease in Women

There are several lifestyle changes that women can make to reduce their risk of heart disease. These include:.

Quitting smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, as it damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Eating a healthy diet: A diet low in saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help keep the heart healthy.
Exercising regularly: At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day can improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
Managing stress: High levels of stress can increase the risk of heart disease, so managing stress through techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help.
Getting regular check-ups: Women should have their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly, as well as undergo screening tests such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) or stress tests to monitor heart health.

Conclusion

While chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack, women may experience different warning signs that can be overlooked or dismissed.

It’s important for women to be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of them, especially if they have other risk factors for heart disease. Making lifestyle changes and getting regular check-ups can help reduce the risk of heart disease in women and improve overall heart health.