Heart attacks in women: Why they are often underdiagnosedFebruary 14, 2019
When we think of heart attacks, common symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and exertional discomfort often come to mind. But what about the signs that women should specifically look out for? Understanding these symptoms is crucial, as many women are underdiagnosed when it comes to heart disease.
According to Datuk Dr Sanjiv Joshi (pix), a consultant cardiologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the symptoms of heart attacks in women can be similar to those in men, but women often experience fewer and less recognizable symptoms. This can lead to a significant underdiagnosis of heart conditions in women. Key symptoms of heart attacks in women Women are more likely than men to experience the following symptoms during a heart attack:
These symptoms can be vague and may be more noticeable than the classic chest pain associated with heart attacks. Interestingly, women may experience these symptoms more frequently while resting or even during sleep. Emotional stress can also trigger heart attack symptoms in women. Dr Sanjiv highlights a crucial point: “To this day, we don’t know why this discrepancy exists. Men are generally more prone to heart attacks, with a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1. Women seem protected during their menstruating years, but younger men are increasingly presenting with heart attacks due to lifestyle factors.” Unique challenges for women Women are more likely than men to suffer heart attacks without severe blockage in their arteries, a condition known as nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Additionally, women often have blockages not only in their main arteries but also in the smaller vessels that supply blood to the heart, a condition referred to as small vessel heart disease or coronary microvascular disease. Risk factors for heart disease in women While traditional risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity affect both genders, women face unique challenges that can increase their risk of heart disease:
Heart disease is a serious concern for everyone, but women under the age of 65, especially those with a family history of heart disease, should be particularly vigilant about their heart health. Recognizing the unique symptoms and risk factors can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. |
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