Why Are Men More Prone to Heart Disease Than Women?

Heart disease is a general term that applies to many conditions that affect proper cardiovascular function, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscles). The signs of heart disease in men and women share similarities, yet there are differences in how they manifest. While both genders can have symptoms of heart disease that may lead to heart attacks, the signs that are exhibited differ in many cases.

Are Men More Prone to Heart Disease?

• The American Heart Association characterizes heart disease as being more prevalent in men than in women. While both may experience classic signs such as chest pain and shortness of breath, women may also have pain in other areas that can be symptoms of heart disease.

Prevalence of Heart Disease Deaths in Women

• Although breast cancer has been thought to be the number one killer of women, heart disease is in fact the main cause of death among women. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, there may be several reasons for the lower number of reported cases of heart disease before the onset of heart attacks among women, including: pain in other areas of the body (lower jaw, abdomen, back pain) not seemingly related to the heart; and the tendency for heart attacks to appear later in life in women than in men. Also, more heart disease studies have been conducted on men than women.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Men

• Typically, the symptoms of heart disease in men can be found in conditions as hypertension (high blood pressure), respiratory problems, obesity and high cholesterol. All of these conditions can present signs of potential heart disease in men. Tightness or pain in the chest, the arms, or the neck can be indications of heart problems, as can arrythmia (irregular heart beat patterns). Shortness of breath and constant fatigue may also be signs of heart disease.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

• The U.S Department of Health and Human Services states women with some form of heart disease may often exhibit similar symptoms as men, yet women may also show different signs of cardiovascular conditions that can be indicators of impending heart disease or heart attacks. Chronic heartburn is often a sign of heart problems, as is a loss of appetite, coughing and heart flutters. A noticeable lack of energy, which is sometimes mistaken for things such as vitamin deficiencies, may also be a sign of irregularities in cardiovascular functions.

Diagnosing Heart Disease

• According to the American Heart Association there are several methods in diagnosing heart conditions. The method used by a doctor may depend on several factors, including the patient's age, their history of heart problems and their propensity for incurring heart disease. Certain tests may be administered to narrow the possibilities, including electrocardiograms, chest x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or an MRI. The particular diagnostic method to be used will be determined by the doctor based on available medical history and evident symptoms.