Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet too many women experience delays in diagnosis due to symptoms being dismissed or misattributed to anxiety, stress, or other non-cardiac issues. Women of all ages and backgrounds have reported being told their symptoms were “just stress” or “nothing to worry about,” only to later discover they had serious heart conditions. This systemic issue leads to dangerous delays in care and worse health outcomes. Understanding why this happens and how to change it is crucial to saving lives.
The Reality of Misdiagnosis
Studies show that women experiencing heart attack symptoms are significantly more likely than men to be misdiagnosed. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women under 55 were seven times more likely than men to be sent home from the emergency room without proper cardiac testing. This is partly because women’s heart disease symptoms often differ from the “classic” chest pain associated with men’s heart attacks. Women may experience symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained fatigue
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
Because these symptoms do not fit the standard heart attack narrative, they are frequently mistaken for panic attacks, acid reflux, or musculoskeletal issues. The result? Women may not receive the timely treatment they need, increasing their risk of long-term heart damage or death.
Why Are Women Misdiagnosed?
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend, including:
1. Medical Bias and Outdated Research
Historically, heart disease research focused primarily on men. For decades, women were underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to a gap in knowledge about how heart disease presents in women. As a result, many healthcare providers still rely on male-centric diagnostic models.
2. Gender Stereotypes in Medicine
Societal biases can influence how doctors interpret symptoms. Women are more likely to be perceived as anxious or emotional, leading some providers to attribute their symptoms to psychological rather than physical causes. In contrast, men presenting with the same symptoms are more likely to be taken seriously and given immediate cardiac testing.
3. Cultural Norms That Discourage Women From Speaking Up
Many women downplay their symptoms, assuming they are not serious or fearing they will be seen as dramatic. Cultural expectations often place women in caregiving roles, leading them to prioritize the health of their families over their own well-being.
The Path Forward: How to Ensure Women Get the Right Diagnosis
1. Education and Awareness
Women must be educated about their unique heart disease risks, symptoms, and susceptibility to certain conditions. Some forms of heart disease—such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), microvascular disease, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome)—are more common in women and may not follow the classic patterns of heart disease seen in men. Understanding that heart attacks and other serious heart conditions can present differently in women, often without chest pain, can empower them to seek care sooner and advocate for appropriate testing.
2. Advocacy in Healthcare Settings
Women should feel empowered to advocate for themselves in medical settings. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak up—ask your doctor directly if your symptoms could be heart-related.
If you suspect a heart problem but are not being taken seriously, request further testing, like an EKG, a troponin blood test, or a coronary angiogram. If testing is denied, you can ask for your request and the doctor’s response to be documented in your medical record.
3. Policy and Research Changes
More funding and focus on women’s heart health research can help close the gender gap in diagnosis and treatment. Equally important is advocating for improved education and training for healthcare providers so they can better recognize and respond to heart disease in women. Advocacy groups like WomenHeart are working to ensure that both research priorities and clinical education reflect the realities of women’s experiences with heart disease.
The More You Know…
Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet misdiagnosis and dismissal of symptoms continue to put lives at risk. By increasing awareness, demanding better research, and advocating for timely care, we can work toward a future where every woman receives the heart care she deserves. If you or a loved one have experienced heart-related symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention and insist on being heard. Your heart health is too important to ignore.
