Women aged 35 and older often experience subtler heart attack symptoms than men, including extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Yet, nearly two in five (39%) never consult their doctor about these issues, according to a Heart Foundation survey.
Chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women. However, women are more likely to have atypical signs such as nausea (recognized by 41%), shortness of breath (75%), and dizziness (51%). Only 24% associate stomach complaints with heart problems.
“Women, especially during a heart attack, often present with different symptoms than men, reporting fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath more frequently,” explains Dr. Jeanine Roeters van Lennep, a cardiovascular internist at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. “Women tend to downplay these symptoms—attributing them to busyness—or mistake them for menopausal or menstrual issues.”
Risk Factors
Post-menopause, women should stay vigilant for these symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr. Roeters van Lennep advises: “Don’t dismiss complaints—get checked for risk factors early and seek medical care promptly if needed.”
Dress Red Day
Since 2010, the Heart Foundation’s Dress Red Day has raised awareness of women’s heart disease. Progress is evident: the survey shows growing recognition that women’s heart attack symptoms can be less obvious and that treatments effective in men may not always apply to women.
What Women Can Do:
Be aware of acute symptoms and risk factors. Visit www.hartstichting.nl for more.
Stay alert to potential heart-related complaints.
History of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnancy? Be extra cautious—these are risk factors.
Family history of heart disease? High blood pressure and cholesterol can be hereditary—get screened. Over 40? Check blood pressure and cholesterol yearly.
Take symptoms seriously: see your doctor or call 112 for emergencies.
