8 Heart Attack facts every woman must know, according to a top cardiologist

Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent, which means the damage is done, but the person is unaware of it. In women, heart disease is the leading health risk, yet it is overlooked. Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a leading heart transplant cardiologist based in Memphis, US, has explained some important facts about heart attacks that every woman must know. “Your heart deserves just as much care as the rest of you,” he said. Here are 8 facts about heart attacks every woman must know.

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Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death for women in the US and can affect women at any age. Yet, heart disease is often dismissed as a man’s disease. “It’s time to change that!” the cardiologist says.

The symptoms of a heart attack may not always be the same as those of men. This is one of the many reasons the symptoms get dismissed, leading to serious damage to the heart. “Women don’t always have 'classic' heart attack symptoms. Instead of crushing chest pain, many feel nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath—often leading to misdiagnosis,” Dr. Yaranov said, in a video shared on Instagram.

The cardiologist emphasized that heart attacks could cause more damage in women. This is partially because they fail to recognise the symptoms. “Heart attacks in women are deadlier. Women are more likely to die within the first year of a heart attack than men, partly because symptoms go unrecognized or untreated,” he said.

Plaque buildup in the arteries leads to heart attacks. However, the cardiologist reveals that it differs in women. “Plaque builds up differently in women’s arteries, making heart disease harder to detect. Standard tests were designed based on men’s heart disease patterns, which can lead to missed diagnoses in women,” he explains.

Stress, anxiety, and depression are key players in a woman’s cardiovascular health. “Stress and emotional health play a bigger role in women’s heart disease. Conditions like anxiety and depression can increase heart risks, but they’re rarely part of heart health conversations,” the doctor said.

Evidence suggests women are less likely to receive emergency care compared to men when it comes to heart attacks. “Women are less likely to receive life-saving treatments. Whether it’s medication, stents, or even CPR, women receive them less often than men—yet they need them just as much!” he added.

The doctor also emphasized that the risk of heart attacks increases post menopause. “After menopause, a woman’s heart disease risk skyrockets. The natural drop in estrogen removes a layer of protection, increasing the chances of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart attacks,” he said.

Yes, that’s right. Heart diseases, including heart attacks, are preventable. “Most heart disease is preventable! A heart-healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and listening to your body can make all the difference,” the doctor said.