Have you experienced feeling kind of breathless or out of air? Sweats on your forehead that have stressed you out but you dismiss it as merely exhaustion from 9 to 5 grind. While unhealthy eating habits and deadlines stress you out, a random dizziness can strike and you can wake up in the hospital. A silent heart attack is the final call that you must not Ignore Your Symptoms!
Understanding Heart Attacks in Women: Overview
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in both men and women across the world. According to the data available for 2024, India experiences significant cases of heart attacks in women primarily due to diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy lifestyle, and pulmonary issues. This raises the need for awareness regarding symptom management and prevention of heart attacks in women.
A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the heart due to blockage in the arteries. The plaque built-up causes narrowing of the arteries carrying blood to the heart which, if left untreated, can lead to a heart attack. While heart attacks are prevalent in older women, the symptoms can also be apparent in young individuals.
Therefore, it is important to address the early warning signs and symptoms leading to the blockage in the arteries and prompt treatment plans. To help you understand comprehensively, this blog contains information that can help you detect and cater to your heart health before it’s too late. Kindly note that this blog is for informational purposes only and for accurate diagnosis, it is always best to consult the doctor.
What are the Common Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women?
Signs of heart distress in women are silent and one of the major factors contributing to it is stress. Women may experience milder symptoms or signs that appear gradually. It is crucial to pay attention to signs and symptoms associated with heart health, especially, if you have a family history of heart attacks or cardiac disorders. Understanding these warning signs can help with early detection and timely medical intervention, potentially saving lives. Here are some early signs of heart attack in women:
Pain in the upper back, shoulders, neck, or jaw – Certain women who experience pain in the upper back, and shoulders often confuse it with muscle strain. However, it may be a warning sign of an impending heart attack.
How are Heart Attack Symptoms Different in Women?
Many women are not aware that their heart attack warning signs are different. While men experience severe chest pain, heart attack signs in women are often subtle and can go undetected until proper diagnosis. Therefore, women take longer to seek medical care for their heart health which may lead to worse outcomes.
Many women may have the typical symptoms of chest pain, sweating, feelings of severe anxiety, and fairness. However, others may not have the typical symptoms and instead experience signs which may be ignored or misdiagnosed.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women Based on Age Group
Age Group | Common Symptoms | Additional Factors |
Under 40 | Fatigue, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, mild chest discomfort | Often overlooked; risk increases with PCOS, stress, smoking, and birth control pills |
40-50 | Chest pain, back pain, indigestion, sweating, breathlessness | Menopause-related hormonal changes, increased risk from high cholesterol and diabetes |
50-60 | Chest pain, arm/jaw pain, nausea, palpitations, lightheadedness | Hypertension, obesity, and lifestyle diseases become more significant risk factors |
60+ | Chest tightness, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, extreme fatigue | Higher risk of silent heart attacks, delayed response due to less intense pain perception |
Major Risk Factors for Heart Attacks in Women
Women are prone to heart attacks due to several reasons. The primary cause of any heart attack is blockage or obstruction in the blood-carrying arteries. This blockage can be a result of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors which can progress heart-related issues. Modified risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes, while non-modifiable risk factors cannot be changed.
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Age
The risk of heart attacks in women increases after menopause due to lower estrogen levels.
Family history
If there is a family history of heart attacks or any cardiac diseases, the risk of you having one also increases.
Modifiable Risk Factors
One of the leading causes of heart attack in women is increased mental stress which impacts heart health.
High blood pressure can increase the strain on the heart leading to an increased risk of heart attack in women.
High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
Prolonged diabetes or patients with severe diabetes are at an increased risk of disorders related to heart in women.
Excessive smoking damages blood vessels and increases heart attack risk.
Improper diet causes excess weight which can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol issues.
Physical inactivity or lack of exercise can accumulate plaque in the heart causing narrowing of the arteries.
Women with high-fat, high-sugar diets are at an increased risk of heart disease which can lead to heart attack.
How Hormones Affect Heart Health in Women?
Hormones keep everything in rhythm since they play a crucial role in women's heart health. Estrogen, especially, helps maintain flexible blood vessels and regulate cholesterol levels.
However, when menopause hits, estrogen levels dip, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol buildup, and stiffness. Meanwhile, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to heart disease risks, making heart health management essential for women. Stress hormones like cortisol can crash the party which might also raise your blood pressure.
Apart from hormonal changes, certain women with pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia are also at risk of future cardiovascular health issues. Lifestyle disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can also have a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease in women. All these factors contribute directly or indirectly to women who are above 50 years old and must be addressed by the cardiac doctor.
Preventing Heart Attacks: Steps Women Can Take
“If you cannot manage your own health,
If you cannot manage your own work-life balance,
And You cannot be there for others,
You cannot be the best version of yourself you can be”
Preventing heart attacks isn’t rocket science, but it does require smart choices. Stress is an uninvited guest that can literally crash the party. Stress is a major contributing factor, for which you cannot seek medical help. Many women experience work-life imbalance and stress too hard about it without a glimmer of hope of changing it. Ladies, you need to address factors that can contribute to stress, even if it is your own man! Say NO to burnout and indulge more in self-care. Take time for yourself and segregate your personal life with your professional life. Do not work after office until very very necessary!
Apart from stress, other factors such as inculcating lifestyle modifications and dietary restrictions can decrease the risk of cardiac disorders.
Women must eat healthy for their own sake, especially if they are planning pregnancy. You can include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet for a healthy heart.
Physically active women live longer and healthier. Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours of moderate physical activity per week. Join a gym! Or Zumba class for overall physical and mental well-being.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintain a healthy weight by being physically active. The symptoms associated with heart blockages can be reduced by even a small percentage of unhealthy weight and can improve heart health.
Go for a vacation, stop attending calls after work, and practice yoga, meditation, and deep breathing for a better mental and psychosomatic experience.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
Ditch the booze and smoke! Your heart and lungs do not need you to smoke and consume too much alcohol. Both increase heart-related disease risk.
Getting regular health checkups
Get regular health checkups and keep monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels to help you detect any cardiac issues in the early stage.
Choose Artemis Hospitals Gurgaon for Effective Heart Attack Treatment in Gurgaon
Heart attacks in women often present with subtle yet serious symptoms, making awareness and early detection crucial. Understanding risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and hormonal changes can help in prevention. Prioritizing heart health through a balanced lifestyle, regular check-ups, and stress management is essential.
At Artemis Hospitals, our expert cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons address and treat a wide range of heart-related conditions. Our medical experts have over 20 years of experience in treating and managing heart-related issues in women and men. We provide 24*7 ambulance service for patients experiencing heart attacks to ensure quick treatment.
For expert care, call us today at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9800400498. You can also easily schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Your health is our priority—let us help you take the next step toward healing.
Article by Dr. Sushant Srivastava
Chairperson - Heart & Lungs Transplant
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heart attacks more fatal for women?
Yes, heart attacks are more fatal for women as they can impact overall mental and physical health as compared to men. This is primarily due to delayed treatment and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Can emotional stress trigger a heart attack in women?
Yes, chronic stress and emotional anxiety can lead to high blood pressure and ‘broken heart syndrome’ which can cause temporary weakening of the heart muscles.
Can birth control or hormone therapy increase heart risks?
Yes, certain birth control medications may raise the risk of blood clots, stroke, or high blood pressure, especially in women who smoke.
Who treats a heart attack?
A heart attack is an emergency that is treated by a cardiovascular surgeon. A cardio surgeon specializes in treating and diagnosing medical disorders related to the heart. It is important to choose an experienced surgeon with an excellent track record for your heart-related issues. To book an appointment with the best cardiac surgeon in Gurgaon for your heart-related disorders, get in touch with Artemis Hospitals.
Should women of all ages worry about heart disease?
Yes, although heart attack symptoms in women under 50 years may not be apparent, they can still be fatal. It is important to address warning signs of cardiac disorders in young women to ensure reduced risk of heart attacks.
