A new report has revealed that women are more likely than men to ignore unexplained chest pain and heart issues, as they believe it won’t affect them
A recent survey of 2,000 adults found that women are more likely than men to dismiss unexplained chest pain, with many underestimating their risk of heart problems.
Only 35% of women believe they are likely to experience heart issues, with most assuming their healthy lifestyle shields them from danger. However, heart disease remains a leading cause of death among women in the UK, hospitalising over 30,000 women annually due to heart attacks.
In contrast to 38% of men, only 30% of women would seek medical attention for chest pain, with many opting to rest or take indigestion medication instead.
The research, conducted by Healthspan Plant Sterol Plus, sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding heart health among women.
Many believe they are too young to be affected or are not concerned due to a lack of family history. Furthermore, 14% of women mistakenly believe high cholesterol is primarily a male issue.
Alarmingly, a quarter of women aged 45-54 have never had their cholesterol checked, while 1 in 20 have not had a check in over five years, despite the NHS offering free tests for those aged 40-74.
Similarly, 1 in 20 have not had their blood pressure checked in over five years, and half of respondents are unaware of their normal blood pressure reading.
Dr. Hilary Jones, GP and medical advisor to Healthspan, warned, “Many people underestimate the link between high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Left unmanaged, these conditions significantly raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.”
Natasha Whitehead, a compliance administrator from Northamptonshire, is currently undergoing tests for familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that heightens the risk of heart disease and premature heart attacks. This comes after her cholesterol levels remained high despite weight loss.
She expressed she was aware of the risks of heart disease, given her mother’s history with high cholesterol but she confessed to feeling “disheartened that, even after such huge lifestyle changes and weight loss, my cholesterol had stayed the same.”
Despite her reluctance to take statins due to witnessing their side effects on loved ones, Natasha opted to try plant sterols supplements. She believes this decision led to a drop in her cholesterol levels after another five months.
Cardiologist Dr. Ameet Bakhai also cautioned that factors like diabetes, depression, chest infections, poor sleep, noise pollution, chronic stress, and night shifts can escalate the risk of heart disease.
He advised, “Everyone should be aware of the signs, family history, and factors that increase risk and take steps to maintain heart health. Poor heart health can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.”
HEALTH ISSUES THAT COULD BE PUTTING WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH AT RISK:
- The menopause
- Previous pregnancy related health, such as gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related high blood pressure
- Depression and anxiety
- Snoring
- Polycystic ovaries
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Chronic migraines
- Thyroid problems
- Sleep disorders/ sleep apnoea
- Radiation therapy especially for breast cancer treatment