Why the Sex-Based Differences in Care?
Why do more women seem to fall between the cracks? Dr. Stewart speculates that a number of issues are coming into play. First off, female heart attack victims are more apt to have multiple, non-traditional symptoms. Women often have nausea, back pain, weakness and fainting with or without the chest pain typical of male heart attack patients. Even when a doctor suspects a heart attack, making the diagnosis can be more difficult in female patients, according to Dr. Stewart. “Diagnostic tests are not as sensitive in women and breast tissue can obscure results,” said Dr. Stewart. “Plus, the disease process itself may be different, too.” Issues of patient-doctor communication and education may also play a role in why women are less apt to receive aggressive heart attack care. There is some evidence that men may be better at advocating for themselves and more comfortable communicating with their doctor about their own care, according to Dr. Stewart. “Women need to be well-informed about thei
