“One of the major reasons women are underdiagnosed and undertreated is the lack of sex-specific diagnostic criteria,” says St. Pierre. Many heart attacks in women present with symptoms like breathlessness, stomach or gut pain, or nausea, which aren’t common symptoms for men that most healthcare professionals are looking for. Therefore, women can easily be misdiagnosed or experience a delay in proper treatment because their symptoms are perceived as “atypical.”
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a heart attack, immediate action can save a life. Women should:
- Call 911. If you believe you may be experiencing a heart attack, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help, even if your symptoms are mild or vague.
- Chew aspirin. If you’re not allergic, aspirin can help thin the blood and reduce clot formation.
- Stay calm and seated. Avoid unnecessary exertion while waiting for emergency care.
- Advocate for yourself. Clearly communicate your symptoms and insist on further testing if you feel dismissed.
“In cardiology, time equals muscle,” says Grayver. “The longer you wait, the more damage is done to your heart. Women often wait too long, and then the emergency room delays recognition of the heart attack, putting them at a significantly higher risk of mortality.”
Grayver adds that many women dismiss their symptoms and delay getting treatment.
“A lot of women think they’re just panicking, and then they tell themselves they don’t have time to go to the doctor because they have to get the kids to school, etc.,” says Grayver. “Even if your symptoms are atypical, you should call 911. Don’t simply schedule a doctor’s appointment for later in the week.”
Grayver also encourages women to start seeing a cardiologist once a year, starting in your twenties, especially if:
- You have a genetic predisposition (family history) of cardiovascular issues.
- You were born with any type of congenital anomalies, such as a ventricular septal defect.
- You’re considering pregnancy.
“More than 50 percent of women going into pregnancy aren’t at their optimal cardiovascular health,” says Gravyer. “And that’s very worrisome because it means they’re going into their thirties, forties, and fifties with suboptimal cardiovascular health.”