The heart, approximately the size of a fist, powers blood through the circulatory system. While heart disease -- such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol -- has often been viewed as a “man’s problem”, it affects women equally, though with different symptoms.
This makes diagnosis harder and increasing risks due to overlooked signs and common misconceptions. Here, some myths about women’s heart health are debunked.
Myth 1: Heart Disease Only Affects Men
Contrary to the belief that heart disease mainly impacts men, more women die from coronary artery disease each year than men. In India, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, accounting for nearly 18% of female fatalities. Women often face higher death rates and worse outcomes after heart attacks, partly due to delayed treatment and fewer prescriptions for essential medications like statins and blood thinners.
Myth 2: Heart Disease Only Affects Older Women
While heart disease risk does increase with age, younger women are not immune. Factors like smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, and stress can lead to heart problems in women well before menopause. Women in their 20s and 30s can be affected, particularly if they have genetic predispositions or unhealthy lifestyles.
Myth 3: Heart Attack Symptoms Are Always Obvious
Women are prone to "silent" heart attacks, where symptoms are less noticeable but equally dangerous. It’s crucial to recognize signs like stomach or jaw discomfort, chest pressure radiating to the arms, neck, or back, sudden shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, extreme fatigue, or indigestion.
Myth 4: Cholesterol Issues Only Affect Men
Many women believe cholesterol problems primarily affect men, but this is false. High LDL cholesterol is dangerous for everyone. Women, especially post-menopause, should monitor their cholesterol levels closely as declining estrogen increases heart disease risk.
Myth 5: Heart Disease is Less of a Concern Than Breast Cancer
While breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, surpassing all cancers combined.
