A report just published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals that cardiovascular disease is more likely to be missed or misdiagnosed in women, partly because heart disease is often thought of as a men’s health issue.

While an estimated 510,000 Australian women have cardiovascular disease, only one in five women recognise heart-related health issues as a major cause of death. 

Physicians also are found to be more likely to underestimate CVD risk in women. 
Cardiovascular disease in women presents with different symptoms, which may not be recognised as CVD. Women are likely to have non-chest pain symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue and indigestion, and often present with CVD later in life.

The report also identifies disparities between men and women when it comes to treatment and outcomes. A number of studies show that women with acute coronary syndrome tend to receive fewer medications, are less likely to have their condition treated aggressively and have fewer invasive interventions. 

The report calls for greater awareness among the public and health-care providers about the risks of CVD to women’s health, and increased recognition of gender differences in risk factors, presentation and treatment of CVD among women.

Source: An edited summary of the introduction to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report entitled Cardiovascular disease in women published 22 July 2019 which provides a statistical overview of the impact of CVD on Australian women.
Cardiovascular disease in women. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019. Cat. no. CDK 15. Canberra: AIHW.