Macy Baugh - Department of Cardiology
When we think of coronary heart disease, the stereotypical patient that comes to mind is a man with unhealthy lifestyle habits. While it’s true that such a man is at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, it’s crucial to recognize that women with similar habits face similar risks; in the U.S., cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks as the leading cause of death among women. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a range of conditions linked to sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart, like in myocardial infarctions (colloquially known as “heart attacks”). Researchers aimed to shed light on gender-based differences in ACS symptoms to enhance our understanding of how this condition manifests in women.
Effective ACS management hinges on a rapid diagnosis to direct patients to appropriate care and deliver timely treatment. Chest pain is considered the classical symptom, but this study revealed that it was more frequently reported by men. In suspected ACS cases, women frequently presented with what are often termed “atypical” symptoms, including increased dyspnea (difficulty breathing), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, palpitations, and shoulder pain compared to men. While chest pain is widely recognized by the general public and taught in medical schools, ACS symptoms in women often take on a less conventional form, which remains poorly understood within the medical profession. Consequently, women may be at risk for delayed treatment or suboptimal care due to delayed recognition of their condition.
Given the compelling evidence of gender-based differences in symptoms and a unique ACS presentation in women, it’s time to discard the outdated labels of “typical” and “atypical” ACS symptoms. Considering that more than half of ACS victims are women, it’s crucial to widely disseminate this knowledge, reaching not only medical students and professionals but also the general public. This awareness is essential to ensure the rapid identification of ACS in women and to facilitate their prompt and appropriate care.
References:
Cardeillac, M., Lefebvre, F., Baicry, F., Le Borgne, P., Gil-Jardiné, C., Cipolat, L., Peschanski, N., & Abensur Vuillaume, L. (2022). Symptoms of Infarction in Women: Is There a Real Difference Compared to Men? A Systematic Review of the Literature with Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(5), 1319. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051319
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