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Over a dozen medical studies from around the world have shown that when it comes to heart health, there are differences in diagnosis for women and men. Women experience worse outcomes when diagnosed with heart problems and undergo treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, this is the most common cause of mortality worldwide.
About the Study
The analysis was conducted collaboratively by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Lebanese American University, the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. They analyzed 15 studies spanning 50 countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, India, countries in the Gulf region, and the United States. These studies encompass the experiences of over 2.3 million individuals.
Why Diagnosis Differs by Gender
According to scientists, the disparity in testing results is a consequence of women experiencing additional non-traditional symptoms alongside chest pain. Among these symptoms are nausea, jaw pain, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms are overlooked by physicians or patients themselves, it can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
We found stunning differences between men and women in the diagnosing of cardiovascular disease, treatment and symptoms. Women tend to go to the hospital later than men after the onset of symptoms, and physicians are not admitting women to the hospital at the same rates as men.
Professor Mahdi O. Garelnabi, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences
The analysis also reveals an increasing rate of heart attacks among young women. From 1995 to 2014, the incidence of heart attacks among women aged 35 to 54 years rose from 21% to 31%. During the same period, the figure among men increased only slightly, from 30% to 33%. According to Dr. Garelnabi, there are risk factors specific to women, including premature menopause, endometriosis, and hypertension during pregnancy.
It’s worth noting that a recent study by Brazilian scientists found that laughter is indeed beneficial for heart health.
