Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, killing approximately 17.9 million people annually. Interestingly, despite the common belief that men are more prone to heart attacks, more women die from heart attacks than men.

It is essential to understand why heart attacks are deadlier for women than men, as this knowledge could lead to earlier intervention and ultimately save lives.

Gender Differences in Heart Attack Symptoms

One of the most significant reasons why heart attacks are deadlier for women than men is the difference in how men and women experience and report heart attack symptoms.

Men are more likely to experience the classic symptoms of heart attack, such as chest pain, arm numbness, and shortness of breath.

On the other hand, women can experience a wider range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and stomach pain.

Moreover, women often experience less severe chest pain and may describe their symptoms as discomfort or pressure rather than pain. As a result, women may not immediately realize they are having a heart attack or may not seek medical attention as quickly as men.

Medical Bias towards Men

Another factor that contributes to the higher mortality rate of heart attacks in women is medical bias.

Clinical trials in the past have traditionally only included male participants, which has led to the misconception that heart attacks mainly affect men. As a result, healthcare professionals may misdiagnose or undertreat women who present with heart attack symptoms. This medical bias can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the likelihood of survival.

Hormones and Heart Health

Hormones also play a significant role in how heart attacks affect men and women. Estrogen, a hormone predominantly found in women, has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

It helps to lower bad cholesterol levels and dilate blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow to the heart. However, after menopause, the levels of estrogen in women’s bodies decrease, increasing their risk of heart disease.

Conversely, testosterone, a hormone in men, has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Men with higher levels of testosterone tend to have more cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Therefore, men may be more likely to develop heart disease earlier in life, decreasing their risk of dying from a heart attack later in life.

Undiagnosed Heart Disease in Women

Women with heart disease may also go undiagnosed, increasing their risk of a fatal heart attack.

This is partly due to the fact that many women do not receive regular heart health screenings or may not undergo diagnostic testing such as cardiac catheterization or stress tests. In addition, healthcare providers may not think to consider heart disease in women with atypical symptoms, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.

Treatment Differences between Men and Women

Women and men may also receive different treatment for heart attacks. One study found that men were more likely to receive life-saving treatments, such as angioplasty or medications to dissolve blood clots, compared to women.

This difference in treatment may be due to the fact that women are less likely to present with classic heart attack symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose and intervene early.

The Importance of Promoting Heart Health in Women

It is crucial to promote awareness of heart disease in women and to encourage women to prioritize their heart health. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help to prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack.

This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, not smoking, and managing stress levels.

Moreover, healthcare providers must be educated to recognize and diagnose heart disease in women earlier effectively. This could lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for women who do experience a heart attack.

Conclusion

Women have a higher risk of dying from heart attacks than men due to gender differences in heart attack symptoms, medical bias towards men, hormone levels, undiagnosed heart disease, and differences in treatment.

Raising awareness of these factors is crucial to promote the importance of heart health in women and to save lives.