Health in focus: How heart attacks differ in women

The symptoms of a typical heart attack are widely known, but did you know that women may experience different symptoms to men? Women are statistically less likely to survive their first heart attack than men are, this is likely due to the signs of a heart attack being harder to recognise and treatment is consequently often delayed. Women are also 50% less likely than men to receive the correct diagnosis when suffering a heart attack, according to research by the British Heart Foundation. 

In addition to the standard symptoms we’re all aware of, including chest pain, pressure or discomfort that lasts longer than a few minutes; women may experience the following signs: 

  • Pain in the neck, back, shoulders, jaw, stomach or one or both arms 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Heartburn, nausea or vomiting 

  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep 

  • Weakness or shakiness 

  • Dizziness or fainting 

  • Excessive sweating 

  • Unusual or unexplained fatigue 

Women are more likely than men to experience these less-common symptoms. Some women may even have heart attacks without chest pain or pressure.  

As they can be confused with other conditions such as the flu or acid reflux, many women brush off or play down these issues. However, if you encounter any of these symptoms, or a combination of them, you should go to a hospital or call an ambulance straight away. 

Risk factors for heart attacks in women 

In addition to the usual risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol level or blood pressure, diet, obesity, stress, age, genetics and smoking, women also have some unique heart attack risk factors due to female biology. These include: 

  • PCOS 

  • Endometriosis 

  • Falling oestrogen levels after menopause 

  • A history of preeclampsia during pregnancy 

A recent study has found that including more potassium in your diet can help prevent heart attacks in women by reducing blood pressure. This study also found that there was no link between potassium and blood pressure in men. You can add a healthy amount of potassium (the NHS recommends an intake of 3,500mg per day) to your diet by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, beans, spinach, avocado, potatoes, yoghurt, some dried fruits, and more. 

According to the British Heart Foundation, women over the age of 40 should be examined regularly by their doctor to check for signs of heart disease. Heart attacks usually occur suddenly, but a study published in 2003 found that nearly 80% of women surveyed who had suffered a heart attack experienced at least one prodromal symptom (early signs of a heart attack) for more than a month before at least several times a week.  

By being aware of the signs, we can all ensure that women are able to access preventative care prior to any emergency treatment. 

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