Cardiologists warn that the primary signs indicating a woman may be suffering from heart disease or is at risk of a fatal heart issue are often overlooked due to their subtler nature compared to men. A report published by the American Heart Association (AHA) cautions that women are often diagnosed with heart disease later in life than men, despite no evidence that they actually develop it later. This means they are likely in worse condition and begin treatment in a more deteriorated state. Symptoms frequently overlooked for heart disease include the ability to walk for short periods and occasional difficulty breathing.
Experts at the AHA also caution that certain symptoms women may experience shortly before a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or other life-threatening conditions are often disregarded as well. Dr. Corinne Jurgens, the report's author and a nursing professor at Boston College, stated to TODAY: "Symptoms often occur in groups, and it is very rare for someone to present with just one symptom." Experts noted that doctors often look for specific patterns when preparing to make a diagnosis.
For heart disease, the main signs include changes in the ability to breathe fully or the inability to exert the same effort. Doctors may be slow to recognize these symptoms in women, which can significantly increase the risk of death from the disease. Once someone is aware they have heart disease, they can begin making lifestyle changes and take medications that help slow the disease's progression. While there is no known cure, anyone can greatly extend their life after a heart disease diagnosis through medical intervention. Providence Health states, "Early intervention often creates the best chance for successful outcomes, and early detection that addresses issues before symptoms appear is potentially life-saving."
There are also early warning signs indicating that a person may soon suffer from a heart-related illness that could be fatal—though women's symptoms differ from men's and can often go unnoticed or unverified. Experts warn that a woman having a heart attack often feels nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and cold sweating before the event. Prior to a stroke, women are more likely to experience severe headaches and changes in mental state compared to men, leading to the stroke. Heart failure often builds up for weeks before reaching a critical point that requires hospitalization.
Before an event, women may begin to sweat, experience unusual swelling around their body, and feel an unexpected burning sensation in the stomach. Women may also suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety in the period leading up to heart failure, which can lead to confusion or unusual behavior. The earlier these symptoms are recognized as potential cardiovascular issues, the quicker a doctor can intervene with life-saving medical care. Many report that women's medical symptoms are often not taken as seriously as men's, which can have fatal consequences.
