Gender Differences in Heart Disease: Why Women’s Symptoms and Treatment Responses Differ
February is American Heart Month, and with the first Friday dedicated to Go Red for Women Day, it’s the perfect time to shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of heart disease: the gender differences in heart disease and how women experience and respond to heart conditions.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but the symptoms, risks, and treatment responses can differ greatly. Understanding these differences is key to providing the most effective care for women, who may experience heart disease in unique ways.
Gender differences in heart disease symptoms
Traditionally, heart disease has been thought of as a “man’s disease,” but this misconception has led to missed diagnoses and delayed treatments for women. While chest pain is a hallmark symptom of heart attacks in both men and women, women may experience more subtle or atypical symptoms that are less likely to be recognized as heart-related. For example, women might experience nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or pain in the back, jaw, or neck. Because these different symptoms are not as widely known, women often dismiss them as something else entirely.
Due to symptoms not always presenting in the stereotypical way, heart disease in women can go undiagnosed or be attributed to other causes, such as anxiety or indigestion. This underreporting and misdiagnosis contributes to the disparity in treatment and outcomes between men and women when it comes to heart disease.
Treatment responses: How women and men differ
Even when women do receive a diagnosis of heart disease, research has shown that they are less likely than men to receive the same aggressive treatments, such as catheterization or stent placement, following a heart attack. In fact, studies suggest that women are often given less intensive medical intervention compared to men, even when they present with similar symptoms.
Why does this discrepancy exist? Part of the issue lies in the historical lack of women subjects in cardiovascular research, which has led to a gap in understanding of how heart disease affects women differently. This means that treatment guidelines and protocols have often been based on research conducted primarily on men, which may not fully address the nuances of how heart disease manifests and progresses in women.
As a result, women may be less likely to receive the necessary interventions to address their heart disease, and their treatment plans may not be tailored to their specific needs.
The impact of hormones on heart disease risk
Hormones play a significant role in heart disease, and women’s hormone fluctuations can impact their heart health. Estrogen is protective against heart disease, which is why women generally have a lower risk of heart disease before menopause. However, after menopause, the risk increases, partly due to a decrease in estrogen levels. This shift can lead to an increase in cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the development of plaque in the arteries.
Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early menopause can further elevate a woman’s risk of developing heart disease. These factors highlight the importance of monitoring heart health in women at every stage of life, with particular attention to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause and beyond.
What women need to know about heart disease
Despite the unique challenges women face when it comes to diagnosing and treating heart disease, there are actions women can take to reduce their risk and manage their heart health. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, awareness of heart disease symptoms, and a proactive approach to managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are crucial.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can also significantly lower the risk of heart disease. For women who are nearing or going through menopause, it is important to discuss heart health with a doctor, especially since the risk increases during this time.
Take action for your heart health
Understanding the gender differences in heart disease can help women seek the appropriate care and interventions sooner. By raising awareness, advocating for more research, and making heart health a priority, we can empower women to take charge of their cardiovascular health.
If you’re concerned about your heart health or are at risk for heart disease, the experts at Oklahoma Heart Hospital are here to help. Schedule an appointment today with one of our specialists to discuss heart disease risk factors and preventative measures tailored specifically to you.