Experts reveal the systemic bias that leads to misdiagnoses, urging women to be their own advocates and find healthcare providers who understand and address the unique risks they face.
Key Takeaways:
- Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., is frequently misdiagnosed in women, leading to delayed treatment.
- Studies reveal a systemic bias leading to misdiagnosis, with women being 52% more likely to experience delays in diagnosis compared to men.
- Women often receive less aggressive treatment due to the underrecognition of heart disease, particularly in clinical trials.
During American Heart Month, doctors and patients are raising awareness about the misdiagnosis of heart disease in women. Experts agree that women often receive incorrect diagnoses like anxiety or depression when they actually have heart failure.
Dr. Philip Adamson, chief medical officer of Abbott’s Heart Failure Division, highlights that symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue are wrongly attributed to mental health issues rather than heart failure. He also mentions that abnormal heart rhythms can be mistaken for anxiety or palpitations.
Studies reveal that there is a systematic bias leading to misdiagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure in women. Research shows that women are 52% more likely than men to experience delays in diagnosis during a heart attack.
Due to this under-recognition, women often receive less aggressive treatment for heart disease and have lower representation in clinical trials for therapies. The exact number of misdiagnosed cases is difficult to determine but Dr. Adamson considers it a common occurrence.
The bias is particularly prevalent among women with a type of heart failure called “heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.” These individuals may downplay their symptoms or not seek care due to various responsibilities as caregivers and working outside the home.
To prevent misdiagnoses, Dr. Adamson stresses the importance of self-advocacy for women’s health. It is crucial to find healthcare providers who recognize the bias and properly manage risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, weight control, and genetics.
Dr. Serwer, an Ohio cardiologist, reiterates that not all women will experience classic chest pain during a heart attack. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, or simply feeling unwell.
Women should be aware of their individual risks of developing heart disease and make necessary modifications early on. It is essential to know personal medical conditions and family history, and work with healthcare teams to identify ways to reduce risk factors. Ignoring symptoms is strongly discouraged as early intervention is key in treating high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Let’s prioritize women’s heart health and overcome biases for accurate diagnoses. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take care of your amazing heart.
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