Heart attacks commonly 'overlooked' by women for several dangerous reasons, doctor says

Excruciating chest pain and shortness of breath may be the first symptoms you associate with a heart attack. But one doctor warns the reality of these life-threatening moments can be far different – especially among women.

Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at UK Care Guide, told The Express that women are more likely to experience subtler signs of a heart attack, often leading them to be overlooked or outright ignored. In some cases, patients have even misinterpreted an attack as stress or indigestion, he claimed.

“In my experience, women often do tend to overlook or misinterpret heart attack symptoms,” Dr Cunningham said in an exclusive interview. “There are several reasons for this in my opinion. Traditionally, the archetype of a heart attack—a sudden, crushing chest pain—has been based on men’s experiences.

“However, women often experience less typical symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. These can be easily mistaken for other ailments.

“Cultural and psychological factors also play a role; women might be more inclined to prioritise others’ needs over their own health, delaying seeking help.”

In 2019, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shone a light on the stark disparities in heart attack treatment between men and women in the UK. Several dangerous causes were linked to the gender gap, including a lack of awareness and misdiagnosis in hospitals.

Worryingly, women were 50% more likely to receive a wrong initial diagnosis while having a heart attack. The report added that ‘both men and women who are initially misdiagnosed have a 70% higher risk of dying’.

Findings also showed that risk factors for heart disease – the leading cause of attacks – are more deadly for women. This especially regards high blood pressure which reportedly increases a woman’s heart attack risk 80% more than a man’s.

Sadly, the situation remains dire. Last year, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology asserted that women are twice as likely to die after a heart attack than men.

At the time, Dr Mariana Martinho of Portugal’s Hospital Garcia de Orta, said: “The findings are another reminder of the need for greater awareness of the risks of heart disease in women. More research is required to understand why there is gender disparity in prognosis after myocardial infarction so that steps can be taken to close the gap in outcomes.”

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In light of this, Dr Cunningham said that it’s important to be aware of ‘silent’ heart attacks too. These are typically painless events that happen in 20 to 60% of cases, according to Cleveland Clinic.

“These can occur without the classic symptom of chest pain,” he explained. “In my experience, I’ve encountered patients who had no idea they’d experienced a heart attack until a routine check-up or subsequent complications revealed it. This can happen due to how the heart attack manifests, affecting different nerves and areas of the heart.

“I always recommend being vigilant about symptoms such as chest discomfort – not necessarily pain – shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or arms. It’s crucial to pay attention to these signs, especially if they are unusual for you.

“It’s vital to raise awareness about these differences in symptoms and encourage proactive healthcare behaviours among women. Regular check-ups and a good understanding of personal risk factors can make a significant difference. Remember, early detection and treatment are key.”