World Heart Day 2025: Why women do not pay attention to their heart attacks?

Hypertensive heart disease was the predominant diagnosis leading to death. In contrast to the classic ‘crushing chest pain’ that we commonly associate with a heart attack in males, females are more likely to have a combination of subtle and atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, indigestion, or unexplained fatigue, discomfort in the arm or upper back. It's usually these subtle early-warning signs that are ignored as stress, anxiety or gastrointestinal trouble which cause delays till the time when diagnosis is made and treatment begins.

Studies show that women are about four times as likely to have what doctors may call a “silent heart attack” — one that doesn’t cause symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. The ambiguity is resulting in higher mortality, with many women finally arriving at hospitals long after they should have done. Many women also put their family, work and other responsibilities ahead of their own health, taking a back seat with that yearly examination.

Also read: World Heart Day 2025: Doctors reveal how local food can heal, and save you from heart disease

Acknowledging these particular difficulties is the beginning of a better future. By understanding the differences and taking proactive measures, women can protect themselves from becoming another tragic statistic. "Almost 40 percent of women I see are late, premise their symptoms to stress and report back when it's aggravated," says Dr Himal Rana, Cardiologist at VitalCare Hospital, Gwalior. “It’s sad, but a lot of damage is already done by the time they do get help.”

This trend underscores the importance for recognition. Women should take heart in the fact that heart disease is not a “man’s problem” and those symptoms may be different. Prevention and early detection are among the best defenses women have against heart disease.

• Atypical symptoms: Women may experience fatigue, nausea and/or jaw/back pain instead of classic chest pain. These nebulous symptoms are easily overlooked as minor problems.

• Silent attacks: In some cases heart attacks can happen almost completely unnoticed. The silent attacks do damage and will increase future risk.

• Misdiagnosis: Symptoms are frequently mistaken for stress, acidity or anxiety. This leads to treatment frequently being either late or inappropriate.

• Hormonal factors: Cholesterol and blood pressure rise as you go through menopause and hormonal changes. Most women do not know that such changes increase heart risk.

• Lifestyle pressures: Women are too busy, caregiving that sometimes they feel its just their hormones and being tired so they just push symptoms aside. Symptoms of heart disease are buried in overwork and stress.

• Underestimation of risk: For one, many women believe that heart disease affects men more so. This myth blocks early preventive steps.

• Delayed response: Women may be slow to respond, thinking that conditions will not apply to them. The more time is wasted, the greater the risk of serious damage to the heart.

• Regular heart health screenings: Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks as part of regular care reveal early risks. Early detection prevents complications.

• Balanced diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins fuel the heart. Stay away from too much salt, sugar and bad fats.

• Exercise and stress management: Exercise strengthens the heart — and stress control can diminish other harmful hormone levels as well. Both reduce cardiac strain.

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol: Cigarettes and heavy drinking take a toll on arteries and blood pressure. And getting rid of them reduces the risk of heart attack.

• Seeking immediate help: Continuous pain in the chest, shortness of breath or pain in the jaw needs immediate medical intervention. Quick response saves lives.