Women’s heart health signals are often misunderstood due to differing symptoms and biases in medical diagnosis. Here are some key points to consider:
- Different Symptoms: Women’s heart attack symptoms are more likely to include jaw pain, back pain, vomiting, or uneasiness, rather than the typical left-sided chest pain ¹.
- Misdiagnosis: Women are often misdiagnosed or undertreated due to biases in medical diagnosis, with their symptoms being attributed to anxiety, depression, or other conditions ¹.
- Increased Risk: Women’s risk of heart disease increases after menopause, making them as vulnerable as men to cardiac risks.
- Underrepresentation: Women are underrepresented in clinical trials for cardiovascular disease, leading to a lack of understanding of their specific needs ¹.
- Rising Incidence: The number of women seeking treatment for heart disease is increasing, with at least two to three women under 50 seeking treatment every month ¹.
- Double Burden: Women’s changing lifestyles, including managing both home and career, contribute to increased stress and pressure, affecting their heart health.
- Need for Awareness: Better awareness and control of risk factors, such as diabetes, sleep issues, and smoking, are crucial to addressing women’s heart health.
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing these differences and addressing the gaps in diagnosis and treatment to improve women’s heart health outcomes
