international womens day medisol

On International Women's Day, we at Medisol take a moment to focus on women's health—especially the often-underestimated risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. Many assume heart disease primarily affects men, but did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

Adding to the risk, heart attack symptoms in women often differ from those in men, making them harder to recognize. It’s time to change that.

The difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests are not the same, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Here’s the key distinction:

  • A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel to the heart becomes partially or completely blocked, restricting blood flow. This causes damage to the heart muscle tissue.
  • Cardiac arrest is a sudden electrical malfunction in the heart that causes it to stop pumping. This results in unconsciousness within seconds and requires immediate CPR and defibrillation with an AED.

While different, a heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, making it crucial to recognize the warning signs.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women

The most common symptoms of a heart attack in both men and women include:

  • Severe chest pain that may radiate to the arm, shoulder or jaw
  • Sweating, nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pale or greyish skin
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

However, women often experience more subtle symptoms, which can make heart attacks harder to identify. These may include:

  • Pain in the upper back or abdomen, neck, jaw or shoulders (instead of typical chest pain)
  • Shortness of breath, even at rest
  • Extreme fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or nausea, sometimes with vomiting
  • A pressing or burning sensation in the chest (often less severe than in men)

Because these symptoms can resemble stress, muscle pain, or digestive issues, women are less likely to seek medical help. Another important fact: in women, heart attacks can sometimes present warning signs weeks in advance.

Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest in women

Cardiac arrest comes suddenly and without warning. The signs for cardiac arrest are:

  • Sudden collapse and unconsciousness
  • No normal breathing (sometimes gasping can occur)
  • No pulse or heartbeat

These signs are the same in both women and men. In case of cardiac arrest, immediate action is needed: call 999/112, start CPR and use an AED. Every second counts!

Why is this awareness so important?

Because the symptoms of a heart attack are less recognisable in women, they often wait longer than men to seek medical help. This can have serious consequences. However, quick recognition and action can save lives.

What can you do?

Learn to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and cardiac arrest
Take symptoms seriously, even if they seem mild or unusual
Take a first aid or CPR course so you know how to act in an emergency situation

On International Women's Day, we not only put women in the spotlight, but at Medisol we use this day to raise awareness about women and heart health. The faster you act, the greater the chance of survival.

Do you know the signs? Share this information with your friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances and help save lives!