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Gender Differences in Heart Disease: Why Women’s Symptoms Are Often Missed?

Authored by Dr. Ameet Sattur, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli The heart is a vital organ, tirelessly pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. However, certain heart diseases

Authored by Dr. Ameet Sattur, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli

The heart is a vital organ, tirelessly pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. However, certain heart diseases disproportionately impact women due to unique biological and hormonal factors. Conditions like microvascular disease and stress-induced cardiomyopathy are more prevalent among women, and symptoms often present differently than in men, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in women. The disparity arises from a combination of biological differences, societal factors, and outdated medical paradigms that have historically centered around men.

Heart Disease: The Silent Threat to Women

Heart disease in women often presents differently than in men. While men typically experience the classic symptom of chest pain, women’s symptoms are often subtler. They may include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or pain in the neck, jaw, or back. These atypical symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Biology

Biological differences between men and women play a significant role in how heart disease manifests. Women’s coronary arteries are smaller and more prone to microvascular disease, which affects the tiny blood vessels in the heart. This type of disease often goes undetected in standard diagnostic tests like angiograms. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease by altering lipid levels and vascular health.

What is the Impact of Gender Bias on Heart Health?

Historically, research on heart disease has predominantly focused on men, resulting in diagnostic and treatment protocols tailored to male physiology. Consequently, medical professionals may overlook or misinterpret symptoms in women. Studies have shown that women are less likely than men to receive timely interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery, even when presenting with severe heart disease.

Misperceptions and Lack of Awareness

Public awareness campaigns about heart disease often emphasize the classic symptoms associated with men. This extends the misconception that heart disease is primarily a “man’s disease.” As a result, women may not recognize their symptoms as indicative of a heart problem and delay seeking medical attention. Furthermore, societal expectations that women should prioritize caregiving roles often lead them to downplay their health concerns.

Conclusion

Women can also play a proactive role in safeguarding their heart health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and not smoking is essential. Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can help identify risk factors early, and most importantly, women should feel empowered to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, seeking second opinions if their concerns are dismissed. Heart disease does not discriminate by gender, but the way it is recognized and treated often does. Bridging the gap requires a collective effort from the medical community, policymakers, and individuals to ensure that women’s heart health is given the attention it deserves.

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