A heart attack in a woman can start at any age, but the average age for this type of condition is younger than in men. Women, for instance, are much more likely to delay getting treatment for their symptoms. This is because many of them do not have chest pain, and their symptoms are often misinterpreted as flu, resulting in a longer time before they seek treatment. Another important factor in women’s delayed recognition of symptoms is the fact that they are often more likely to be diagnosed as suffering from a mental illness, rather than a heart attack.
Women are also more likely to have heart attacks than men. This is partly because they do not perceive themselves as vulnerable to heart disease and tend to dismiss symptoms as stress or anxiety. However, this can lead to serious consequences. A recent study published in the flagship journal of the American Heart Association showed that women are more likely than men to have a heart attack. This is due to estrogen, a hormone that protects the heart against unhealthy cholesterol. After menopause, estrogen production drops.
While a heart attack can be fatal, women are more likely than men to survive. Advances in medicine have improved the survival rate of these victims. Emergency medical services personnel can begin treatment immediately, allowing the patient to recover faster. In many cases, the treatment can begin up to an hour earlier than if a woman were to travel by car. However, women often wait longer than men to seek help. That is why it is important to call 911 right away if you suspect a heart attack.
