Medical experts have warned women are dying ‘unncecessarily’ from heart disease because they are ‘under diagnosed and under-treated’.
Today (Sunday 29 Sept) is World Heart Day and efforts are being made to make people aware that women often experience heart disease differently to men.
Academics contributing to the journal Heart have stated that when it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are “sex disparities in everyday care of patients”, despite it being the “number-one killer for women”.
They added that there is a misconception that CVD is a “man’s disease’ which they believe has contributed to its under-recognition and under-treatment in women.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, and consultant cardiologist, said: “Heart disease is the worlds’ biggest killer of women.
“Heart disease kills more women than breast cancer every year, yet robust evidence from across the globe shows the odds are stacked against you if you are a woman, part due to entrenched biases in society including health and care.
“For many years the BHF have been highlighting that women are unaware, unheard, underdiagnosed, and undertreated when it comes to heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, women are underrepresented as participants in cardiovascular research trials and in research leadership, and also in the NHS workforce of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons.”
Dr Oliver Guttmann, consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, said: “It’s vital for women to trust their instincts regarding their health. If something feels off or unusual, they should not hesitate to contact a GP. Regular check-ups and open conversations about heart health can help identify risks early and improve outcomes.”
There are seven key symptoms all women should be aware of so they know when to get checked by a doctor.
Chest discomfort
When it comes to heart disease, “Women often report a sensation of discomfort rather than outright pain,” said Dr Guttmann. “This may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest, which can be mistaken for indigestion or anxiety. The discomfort may last for several minutes, or come and go.”
Shortness of breath
“Feeling unusually breathless during light activities or even while at rest is a potential red flag,” said Dr Chinelo Ojukwu, GP at Pall Mall. And Dr Guttmann added: “It’s important to note that this can happen without any accompanying chest discomfort. This could be a sign of heart strain and warrants immediate medical attention.”
Unexplained fatigue
“Persistent, overwhelming tiredness with no clear cause that lingers for days or weeks can be an early indicator of heart trouble,” said Dr Ojukwu.
Nausea or indigestion
“Some women may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness,” said Dr Guttmann. “These symptoms can be misleading, as they are often associated with stomach issues rather than heart problems. Women may mistake these signs for common digestive problems, delaying appropriate medical consultation.”
Pain in unexpected areas
“Discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach – especially if it appears suddenly and without explanation – could be linked to heart disease,” said Dr Ojukwu.
Sweating
“Unexplained sweating, particularly if it occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or nausea, can be a red flag,” warned Guttmann. “Women may experience cold sweats that can be mistaken for hot flashes or other less concerning issues.”
Palpitations
An irregular heartbeat or the sensation of a racing heart is a strong indicator that something might be wrong.
“Women might feel like their heart is pounding or fluttering, which can be alarming and should not be ignored.” said Dr Guttmann. “Particularly if it is accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath, it’s important to get checked out.”
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