Heart disease remains the leading threat of death in women
Women tend to take longer to seek medical attention during a heart attack, compared to men
In 2023, heart disease accounted for 20% of deaths in women in the United States, surpassing cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, only 56% of women are aware of this threat. “It’s the leading cause of death in women of all ages, so, starting at age 18, more women will die from heart disease than from breast cancer,” Dr. C. Noel Bairey-Merz, professor of cardiology and director of the Barbra Streisand Heart Center for Women at Cedars-Sinai, told ABC News. She explains that describing the pain in women as “atypical” is inaccurate. The symptoms of a heart attack can differ significantly between genders, making it difficult to detect. Women often report pain in the upper back, neck, arm, and jaw, as well as nausea and shortness of breath, which can be confusing and differ from classic heart attack symptoms.
Barriers to Detection and Treatment
Women often take longer to seek medical attention during a heart attack compared to men. They also face the disadvantage of their symptoms often being dismissed.
In this regard, Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Center and associate director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, interviewed by ABC News, emphasizes the need for women to discuss their symptoms with doctors and request thorough evaluations to prevent unnecessary tragedies.
Cardiac Risk Factors in Women
Heart disease affects women differently than men, with both traditional and female-specific risk factors. These latter factors tend to uniquely increase cardiovascular risk.
They share an impact with men, but some are more pronounced in women.
These are linked to reproductive stages, hormonal changes, or unique conditions.
Protecting Heart Health
Both men and women should follow health guidelines, such as the recommendations of the American Heart Association, which include proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Promoting heart health education in women is essential. Recognizing risk and actively addressing symptoms can save lives.