Women & Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet it is still widely misunderstood and under-recognised. Women are more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and differences in treatment.

Improving awareness, among patients and healthcare professionals, is essential to achieving earlier diagnosis, appropriate investigation, and better outcomes.

While some women experience classic chest pain, many do not. Symptoms may be subtle, intermittent, or mistaken for stress, anxiety, indigestion, or hormonal changes.

Common symptoms in women include:

  • Breathlessness, particularly on exertion

  • Unusual or persistent fatigue

  • Chest discomfort rather than pain

  • Jaw, neck, shoulder, back, or arm discomfort

  • Nausea or indigestion-like symptoms

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Light-headedness or dizziness

These symptoms may occur without warning, or develop gradually over time.

In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, women may be affected by sex-specific or life-stage-related risks, including:

  • Pregnancy-related conditions (e.g. pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes)

  • Early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

  • Hormonal changes around menopause

These factors can increase cardiovascular risk and should be considered as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Women may develop the full spectrum of heart disease, including:

  • Coronary artery disease and angina

  • Heart attacks, often with atypical symptoms

  • Heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation

  • Heart valve disease

  • Heart failure

  • Cardiomyopathies

Some conditions are more prevalent or present differently in women, reinforcing the importance of tailored evaluation.

READ DR HUSSAIN'S ARTICLE ON MENOPAUSE & HEART HEALTH

  • Heart disease has historically been studied and described based on male patterns of presentation. As a result:

    • Symptoms in women may be under-recognised

    • Diagnostic tests may be delayed or normal despite ongoing symptoms

    • Women are more likely to be reassured prematurely

    Awareness of these differences is key to ensuring women receive appropriate investigation and personalised care.

  • You should consider specialist assessment if you:

    • Have ongoing or unexplained symptoms

    • Experience symptoms triggered by exertion or stress

    • Have cardiovascular risk factors

    • Have a history of pregnancy-related complications

    • Have a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death

    Early assessment allows reassurance when symptoms are not cardiac, and timely treatment when they are.

If you are concerned about your heart health or experiencing symptoms you cannot explain, a personalised cardiac assessment can help provide clarity, reassurance, and appropriate care.