KNOW THE SIGNS: Women's heart health

Understanding the risks is the first step to protecting yourself

On average, almost every hour of every day an Australian woman dies from heart disease. Yet tragically, the warning signs for women are also often more likely to be missed.

“Heart disease is one of the biggest killers of women in Australia, yet only one in  ve Australian women are aware of this. Many of the symptoms women experience may not be recognised as heart disease, thus increasing the likelihood of a missed diagnosis,” says Nicci Dent, CEO of Heart Research Australia.

“Although men suffering from a heart attack typically describe chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely to have non-chest pain symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue and indigestion, and frequently with worse consequences.

“Physicians are also more likely to underestimate heart disease risk in women and this can influence their diagnosis and treatment.”

IMPORTANT STEPS 

“Our first message is that women should see their GP for a Heart Health Check,” says Natalie Raffoul, from the Heart Foundation. Checks are recommended for all people over 45, as well as Indigenous Australians aged over 30.