A heart attack is one of the most feared health problems of all time. What makes it dangerous is its unpredictable nature and the life-threatening impact it can have on the patient. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 1.79 crore deaths from Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) in 2019, of which 85% were due to heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, women are said to be more prone to heart attack deaths than men due to several reasons.
Are Women At A Higher Risk Of Heart Attack Deaths Than Men?
A 2020 study published in the journal Circulation found that women experience a 20% increased risk of developing heart failure or dying within five years after having a severe heart attack compared to men.
Another piece of research presented at Heart Failure 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), said that women are twice as likely to die after a heart attack as men.
Also Read: Why Do Women Have A Higher Risk Of Stroke Than Men
The study author, Dr Mariana Martinho of Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal, said, “Women of all ages who experience a myocardial infarction are at particularly high risk of a poor prognosis,” adding, “These women need regular monitoring after their heart event, with strict control of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes, and referral to cardiac rehabilitation. Smoking levels are rising in young women, and this should be tackled, along with promoting physical activity and healthy living.”
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Dixit Garg, Consultant Interventional-Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, listed down some of the common risk factors associated with heart attacks in women. These include:
- Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause
- Pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
- The use of hormonal contraceptives, especially when combined with smoking
- Common autoimmune diseases in women, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Dr Garg recommended recognising and addressing these unique factors to promote heart health in women, emphasising tailored approaches to prevention and management.
How Heart Attack Symptoms Differ In Men And Women
According to Dr Garg, heart attack symptoms can manifest differently in men and women.
“While men typically experience classic symptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort, women may have more subtle signs like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or pain in the jaw, back, or neck,” he said.
“This disparity often leads to delayed or misdiagnosed cases in women,” he added.
Also Read: Eating Potassium-Rich Foods May Improve Heart Health In Women
Risk Factors Of Heart Attack
Both men and women can share some common risk factors for heart attack, which include:
- Age
- Family history
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
Ways To Reduce The Risk
To reduce the risk of heart attacks, here are some heart-healthy lifestyle choices to adopt:
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Managing stress
- Avoiding tobacco
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels
“Women, in particular, should be vigilant about managing conditions like diabetes and staying informed about how hormonal changes impact their heart health,” advised Dr Garg.
“Regular check-ups and prompt attention to symptoms can contribute significantly to prevention,” he concluded.