Heart attacks are commonly associated with men, but in reality, they affect both men and women. However, women are more likely to have their heart attacks go undetected.

Studies have shown that women who experience heart attacks are more likely to be misdiagnosed or not taken seriously than men. This is a dangerous reality that needs to be addressed, and here are some reasons why women’s heart attacks go undetected.

1. Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different

One reason why women’s heart attacks go undetected is that the symptoms are different from those experienced by men.

Men typically experience chest pain or discomfort, while women may experience more subtle symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, or pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen. Since these symptoms are less commonly associated with heart attacks, healthcare providers may not immediately consider the possibility of a heart attack in women.

2. Lack of Awareness and Education

Another reason why women’s heart attacks go undetected is a lack of awareness and education about heart disease in women.

There is a misconception that heart disease is more common in men, which leads to a lack of research and education on how heart disease affects women. Healthcare providers may not be aware of the unique risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.

3. Gender Bias in Healthcare

Gender bias in healthcare also plays a role in why women’s heart attacks go undetected. Women are often not taken as seriously as men when they report symptoms, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Women may also be viewed as more emotional or anxious, which can lead to healthcare providers attributing symptoms to anxiety or stress rather than a heart attack.

4. Hormonal Factors

Hormonal factors may also contribute to why women’s heart attacks go undetected. Women’s risk of heart disease increases after menopause when estrogen levels decrease.

Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on the heart, so the loss of estrogen after menopause may increase the risk of heart disease. However, many women may not be aware of this risk factor, and healthcare providers may not consider hormonal factors when assessing women’s risk of heart disease.

5. Delay in Seeking Medical Attention

Women may also delay seeking medical attention when they experience symptoms of a heart attack. They may attribute their symptoms to other causes, such as indigestion or stress, and may not realize that they are experiencing a heart attack.

Women may also be more likely to prioritize caregiving responsibilities or put their own needs last, which can lead to delays in seeking medical attention.

6. Differences in Diagnosis and Treatment

Differences in diagnosis and treatment may also contribute to why women’s heart attacks go undetected. Women may be less likely to undergo diagnostic tests, such as stress tests or angiograms, which can detect blockages in the arteries.

Women may also be less likely to receive appropriate treatment, such as medication or surgery, which can reduce the risk of future heart attacks.

7. Women Face More Obstacles to Care Access

Women face more obstacles to accessing healthcare, which can contribute to why their heart attacks go undetected.

Women are more likely to experience poverty, lack of health insurance, and caregiving responsibilities, all of which can make it more difficult to seek medical attention. Women may also face discrimination and bias in the healthcare system, which can lead to delayed or inadequate care.

Conclusion

Women’s heart attacks go undetected for a variety of reasons, including differences in symptoms, a lack of awareness and education about heart disease, gender bias in healthcare, hormonal factors, delays in seeking medical attention, differences in diagnosis and treatment, and obstacles to care access. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that women receive prompt and appropriate care for heart attacks and reducing the negative consequences of heart disease in women.