While heart disease is often perceived as a male health issue, it is a significant health concern for women in Europe as well. Indeed, women are at a higher risk for specific types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease – which involves the narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the heart – and heart rhythm troubles (arrhythmias). Coronary artery disease can lead to heart attacks, while arrhythmias can increase the risk of stroke or other complications. Anatomical and hormonal differences can influence how heart disease an manifest in women, making it essential to dispel some common misconceptions:
1. Heart disease is only a problem for men
Wrong - Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a significant health concern for both men and women.1 Although often associated with men, it’s the leading cause of death for women in many European countries. Data from 2020 reveals that in certain European countries, the proportion of women dying from circulatory diseases was notably higher than for men.2 In fact, cardiovascular disease kills more women than men, and for women under 65, CVD causes twice as many deaths as breast cancer.3
2. Heart attacks always present the same symptoms in men and women
Wrong - Unlike men, women's heart attacks often don't present with classic chest pain. Approximately one-third of women experiencing a heart attack report atypical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and pain in unusual areas. This difference in symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis for women4, as their heart disease signs may vary significantly from men's. Those experiencing these symptoms should consult their physician to determine the cause.
3. Heart disease is a problem only for older women
Wrong - Heart disease is a health concern for women of all ages. Certain risk factors can develop early in life, and younger women may be more susceptible if they use birth control pills, smoke or have pregnancy-related complications.5 Heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation (AF)6 can occur at any age and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.7
4. Being a healthy weight protects women from heart disease
Wrong - While a healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease, it’s not the only factor. Genetics, lifestyle, and medical history also contribute to cardiovascular risk, even in women at a healthy weight. Research suggests that traditional risk factors, such as weight alone, do not fully capture the complexity of heart disease risk in women.
Factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle choices significantly impact heart disease risk.8
5. Women are just as likely as men to receive appropriate treatment
Wrong - Women often face disparities in heart disease diagnosis and treatment compared to men.9 These disparities can be attributed to factors like health care biases that dismiss women's symptoms as anxiety or stress. Such misinterpretations can lead to delays in diagnostic testing and treatment. Additionally, anatomical differences between men's and women's hearts can impact how heart disease manifests and is detected, further contributing to these disparities.
Patients seeking detailed information about heart health and treatment options are encouraged to discuss these topics with their physician.
World Heart Day, celebrated annually on September 29th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promote heart health. This year's event presents a critical opportunity to underscore the significance of cardiac health and advocate for the development of comprehensive national plans to address this pressing public health issue. As a global leader in medical technology, Boston Scientific continues to advance therapies that treat cardiac arrythmias, manage heart failure, prevent sudden cardiac arrest and reduce the risk of stroke.
This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health. Results from different clinical investigations are not directly comparable. Information provided for educational purposes only.
1 Cardiovascular Disease in Women (escardio.org)
2 Cardiovascular diseases statistics - Statistics Explained (europa.eu)
3 Cardiovascular Disease in Women (escardio.org)
4 Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors - Mayo Clinic
5 Gestational diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)
6 Atrial fibrillation - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
7 European Society of Cardiology: cardiovascular disease statistics 2021 | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
8 European Society of Cardiology: cardiovascular disease statistics 2021 | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
9 Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors - Mayo Clinic