Is It A Heart Attack? The Subtle Early Signs Women Often Miss
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet the signs of a heart attack in women are often misunderstood or missed entirely. While many people picture the dramatic, chest-clutching scene often portrayed in movies—the so-called “Hollywood heart attack”—the reality for many women is a far more subtle and confusing experience. Recognizing the unique heart attack symptoms women experience is critical for a timely and accurate heart attack diagnosis, which can be the difference between life and death.
Classic Signs of a Heart Attack in Women
The classic signs of a heart attack, such as crushing chest pain, are more common in men. While some women do experience chest pain, it may not be the most prominent symptom. Instead, women are more likely to experience a range of other, less-obvious heart attack warning signs. These can include shortness of breath, profound fatigue, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, and pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, or stomach. Some women describe the sensation as a pressure or squeezing in the upper back, as if a rope is being tied around them. Because these symptoms can be attributed to other common ailments like the flu, acid reflux, or simply aging, many women delay seeking medical attention, which can have devastating consequences.
Women v Men, and Risk Factors
The disparity in heart attack symptoms between men and women is rooted in a long history of gender bias in medical research. For decades, cardiovascular studies predominantly focused on men, leading to a male-centric understanding of heart disease. This has resulted in diagnostic and treatment models that are not always effective for women. One critical area where this gap is evident is in the understanding of microvascular dysfunction. While traditional diagnostic tests focus on the major arteries, or the “big pipes” of the heart, these only account for about 20% of the heart’s blood flow. The remaining 80% flows through a network of tiny arteries. In women, problems in these smaller vessels, known as microvascular dysfunction, are a common cause of chest pain and can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack, yet they are often missed by standard tests.
Women also have unique risk factors for heart disease that are not shared by men. These include complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension, as well as conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early menopause. It is crucial for women and their healthcare providers to be aware of these gender-specific risk factors to accurately assess their overall risk for heart disease and to ensure they receive appropriate preventive care.
Nishtha Sareen MD MPH
Dr. Nishtha Sareen MD MPH is a leading voice in the movement to improve women’s heart health. As an interventional cardiologist and the Medical Director of the Women’s Heart Program at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Tennessee, Dr. Sareen is dedicated to addressing the gender gap in cardiovascular care. She and her team at Ascension Tennessee provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to the unique needs of women. Dr. Sareen is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the subtle signs of a heart attack in women and the importance of an accurate heart attack diagnosis.
In her work, Dr. Sareen emphasizes that the current understanding of heart disease is largely based on research conducted on men. She highlights the critical role of microvascular dysfunction in women’s heart health and advocates for more research into female-specific cardiac conditions. Dr. Sareen is also a champion for empowering women to take control of their heart health. She is a featured author in the book “BIA, She is the Force,” a project of the Bia platform, which is inspired by the Greek goddess of power and strength and is dedicated to advancing the health of all women. Through her clinical practice, research, and advocacy, Dr. Nishtha Sareen MD MPH is working to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life, free from the devastating effects of heart disease.
Heart Disease is Preventable
While the statistics are sobering, the good news is that much of heart disease is preventable. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk. This includes quitting smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and to discuss your individual risk factors for heart disease.
Another key element of reducing heart attacks in women is men supporting women in their health journey. Often women shoulder the emotional support burden of the household. It is a man’s duty to support the women in his life, especially as we explore and learn more about heart disease in women.
In conclusion, understanding the unique signs of a heart attack in women is essential for improving womens health outcomes. By moving beyond the outdated, male-centric view of heart disease and embracing a more nuanced understanding of the differences between men’s and women’s heart health, we can empower women to recognize the warning signs, seek timely medical care, and take proactive steps to protect their hearts. The work of dedicated professionals like Dr. Nishtha Sareen and organizations like Ascension Tennessee and the Bia platform are paving the way for a future where every woman has the knowledge and resources she needs to live a heart-healthy life.
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