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Heart attacks in women: Why they are often taken seriously too late
In Germany, 18,000 women are affected by heart attacks every year. Often their symptoms are not taken seriously, leading to late diagnoses and higher risks of death. A cardiologist calls for more attention to women's hearts and founded a specialized center.
Heart attacks in women: Why they are often taken seriously too late
In Germany, 18,000 women are victims of a heart attack every year, and the numbers are rising! Tragically, their symptoms are often not taken seriously, leading to higher death rates. Regina Wellmer, 60, is an example of this alarming reality. She suffered from heart problems for ten years, but doctors attributed her symptoms to hysteria and prescribed psychotropic drugs instead of heart medication. Her story is not an isolated incident, but part of a worrying trend that disadvantages women in healthcare.
The cardiologist Michael Becker founded the first women's heart center in Germany in October 2018 to counteract this problem. About five women come to him every day with heart problems, and the evaluations show that many have similar complaints that are often misinterpreted. While men typically experience stabbing chest pains, women often complain of back pain, nausea or shortness of breath - symptoms that are often overlooked. These differences in symptoms mean that women are less likely to receive timely treatment, which drastically reduces their chances of survival.
The frightening reality for women
A recent analysis shows that women are more than twice as likely to die after a heart attack as men. In the under 55 age group, it takes an average of 95 minutes to receive treatment in the clinic, while men receive care more quickly. In addition, women are less likely to be offered an EKG or a blood test, which further exacerbates the situation. The German Heart Foundation warns that cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in women, and yet the risk of suffering a heart attack is often underestimated.
Becker criticizes the ignorance of many colleagues and calls for better training in gender medicine. Women should not only listen to their symptoms but also actively seek medical help. Time is running out! Regina Wellmer finally found her way to the Women's Heart Center and is now receiving the right treatment. Her story is a call to all women to take their health seriously and not let doctors brush them off!