While severe chest pain and breathlessness are often associated with heart attacks, one doctor has warned that the reality can be quite different, particularly for 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, which can often be overlooked or 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.
“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) highlighted the significant disparities in heart attack treatment between men and women in the UK. Several dangerous factors were linked to this gender gap, including a lack of awareness and misdiagnosis in hospitals.
Alarmingly, women were 50% more likely to receive an incorrect 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’.
The research also revealed that risk factors for heart disease, which is the primary cause of heart attacks, are more severe in women. Notably, high blood pressure increases a woman’s risk of heart attack by 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.”
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.
Dr. Cunningham also highlighted the importance of being aware of ‘silent’ heart attacks, which are painless events that occur in 20 to 60% of cases, according to the 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.”
The NHS’ full list of potential heart attack symptoms are detailed below:
- Chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- Pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- Coughing or wheezing