For many women, getting the right diagnosis and treatment for heart disease means pushing past both systemic healthcare barriers and the societal conditioning that tells them to stay quiet or question their own symptoms. Studies have shown that women’s heart concerns are more likely to be dismissed or misdiagnosed, putting them at greater risk for serious complications. The good news? Women can take steps to advocate for their own heart health and push for the care they deserve.
Why Advocacy Matters
A 2018 study published in Circulation found that women were less likely than men to receive life-saving treatments such as stents or bypass surgery after a heart attack. They were also less likely to be prescribed medications like statins or aspirin for prevention. This disparity is not due to biological differences alone—it is a direct result of systemic bias in healthcare.
Women are also more likely to experience delays in diagnosis. According to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, women who went to the emergency room with heart attack symptoms had to wait, on average, 11 minutes longer than men to receive medical attention. These delays can be life-threatening, as early intervention is critical in preventing heart damage.
Steps Women Can Take to Advocate for Their Heart Health
1. Know Your Risk Factors
Understanding your personal risk factors for heart disease is the first step in advocating for yourself. Key risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which increase heart disease risk in women)
- Pregnancy-related complications (such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes)
- Menopause-related changes, which can lead to increased cholesterol and blood pressure levels
Many women are unaware that conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and chronic stress can also contribute to heart disease risk. Knowing your risk factors can help you and your doctor develop a prevention plan.
2. Learn the Symptoms
Heart disease symptoms in women can be subtle. Instead of crushing chest pain, women may experience:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or indigestion
- Back, neck, or jaw pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain in the arms or shoulders
Since these symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, women may delay seeking care. One study found that women waited an average of 37 minutes longer than men before going to the hospital when experiencing heart attack symptoms.
If you experience these symptoms, do not ignore them. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. Speak Up and Ask for Tests
If you feel something is wrong, be persistent. Ask your doctor for specific heart tests, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Coronary calcium scan
- Blood tests for heart markers (such as troponin levels)
Do not hesitate to ask questions, request explanations, or advocate for additional testing if you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously.
4. Bring an Advocate
A trusted friend or family member can help reinforce your concerns and ensure your voice is heard during medical appointments. Research has shown that having a companion present can improve the quality of communication between patients and healthcare providers, leading to better outcomes.
5. Get a Second Opinion
If your symptoms are dismissed, do not hesitate to see another doctor. You know your body best. Studies suggest that nearly 12 million people in the U.S. are misdiagnosed each year, and women are at a higher risk of having their symptoms overlooked. Seeking a second opinion can mean the difference between delayed care and a timely, accurate diagnosis.
6. Know Your Rights in Healthcare
Women have the right to quality, unbiased medical care. If you feel unheard, you can:
- Request a female doctor if you are more comfortable discussing your symptoms with one
- File a formal complaint if you experience medical discrimination
- Seek out specialists, such as cardiologists with expertise in women’s heart health
Women deserve equitable heart care. By staying informed, speaking up, and advocating for necessary tests and treatments, you can take charge of your heart health. If you ever feel unheard in a medical setting, remember: your health is worth fighting for.
