Heart Attack: The silent gap that threatens women

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In 2019 alone, approximately 18 million deaths were reported due to these conditions, 85% of which were attributed to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cerebrovascular events. Heart attack in women is a serious but often overlooked condition that, although less frequently diagnosed, represents an underestimated threat due to its atypical symptoms and lower visibility in medical research.

Studies in Spain show that the incidence of AMI in men ranges from 135 to 210 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while in women it is 29 to 61 cases per 100,000 people per year. While men are at greater risk of AMI, more research is needed because women experience a higher rate of diagnostic errors, as their signs and symptoms often differ from those in men.

Heart attack in women: The silent gap that puts their lives at risk

Symptom differences between men and women

One of the main barriers to early diagnosis of heart attacks in women lies in the differences in symptom presentation. While men typically experience the classic crushing chest pain radiating to the left shoulder, women may present more subtle and atypical symptoms, such as:

• Mild chest pain
• Unusual and persistent fatigue
• Inner thigh pain
• Shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting
• Back, jaw, or neck pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Indigestion or heartburn

These less obvious symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, delaying medical attention, diagnosis, and timely treatment.

Gender bias in research and diagnosis

Historically, research and knowledge about cardiovascular diseases have primarily focused on men, resulting in a gender bias in diagnosing and treating women. This lack of specific knowledge about female cardiovascular health means that doctors are often less familiar with the atypical symptoms women may show, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

Specific risk factors in women

In addition to differences in symptoms, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of a heart attack in women, including:

• Early menopause: Decreased estrogen levels after menopause raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal condition raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other complications.
• Pregnancy complications: Women who experienced conditions such as preeclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy are at higher cardiovascular risk.
• Emotional stress: Chronic emotional stress can significantly impact women’s cardiovascular health.

The importance of prevention and early diagnosis

In light of this, it is crucial to raise awareness about the different symptom presentations of heart attacks in women, as well as the specific risk factors that affect them. It is also vital that women know their own bodies and pay attention to any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recommendations for prevention and early diagnosis

• Learn to recognize atypical heart attack symptoms in women.
• Consult a doctor about any unusual or persistent symptoms.
• Inform your doctor about your family history and personal risk factors.
• Have regular medical check-ups to assess cardiovascular health.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
• Manage emotional stress effectively.

Why trust Clínica Santiago de León for women’s cardiovascular health?

Our medical team has experience in the timely diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks in women. We follow updated gender-focused protocols and conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about atypical symptoms and female-specific risk factors. Your heart deserves specialized care.

Book your appointment at Clínica Santiago de León today and receive expert care.

A call to action

The fight against cardiovascular disease in women requires a joint effort from healthcare professionals, researchers, health organizations, and society as a whole. It is essential to invest in research specific to women’s cardiovascular health, promote education and awareness, and ensure access to quality healthcare for all women.

Only through information, prevention, and early diagnosis can we reduce the gender gap in heart attack mortality and build a future where women can live long, healthy lives.