World Heart Day 2024: Heart disease affects both men and women, but there are key differences in risk factors and symptoms. Men tend to develop heart disease earlier, partly due to hormonal factors, with estrogen offering some protection for women before menopause. However, after menopause, women’s risk rises significantly, often matching or surpassing that of men.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Vishal Rastogi, Director - Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi explained if women are more prone to heart attacks than men or not.

Heart Attack In Men And Women

According to Dr Rastigi, one important difference lies in the symptoms. While men typically experience classic chest pain during a heart attack, women may have more subtle symptoms like fatigue, nausea or back pain, which can contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. These differences make it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize atypical symptoms in women to ensure timely intervention.

Common risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol affect both genders, but women may be more prone to heart complications related to conditions such as depression and autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle factors, including smoking and obesity, are also major contributors to heart disease in both men and women, though their impact can be more pronounced in women.

While men have historically shown higher rates of heart attacks at younger ages, the risks for women increase significantly with age. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting prevention strategies tailored to women’s heart health, such as regular screenings, healthy lifestyle changes, and managing mental health, are vital to reducing heart disease in women.

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