Until a few years ago, heart disease was considered a man’s disease. In reality, it is the No. 1 killer among women (250,000 annually). In fact, nearly half of all female deaths in America are caused by heart disease. For African-American women, the risk of death is especially high.

How Heart Disease Differs in Women
Recent studies show that frequently there are different symptoms for men and women who suffer heart attacks. For example, women are less likely to suffer from a crushing pressure behind the breastbone – the hallmark symptom of a heart attack.

Some women have more vague symptoms such as an ache in the jaw or neck, shortness of breath, nausea or sweating. Unlike men, women also may notice their symptoms when at rest, rather than when exerting themselves physically.

Unaware that their vague symptoms could be warning signs, women often wait too long to get to the hospital. As a result, many suffer unnecessary heart damage, or even death. In fact, women who suffer heart attacks are twice as likely as men to die.

Because women are typically about 10 years older than men when they develop heart disease, they are more likely to have other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can cause complications.

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Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Marjorie Stanek, MD.

Information on heart disease from our health library