Ask a doctor - Are women more prone to heart stroke than men?

Q. Are women more prone to heart stroke than men?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Women are not more prone to "heart stroke" as the term "heart stroke" is not commonly used. However, women can be at an equal or even higher risk of certain heart-related conditions compared to men. It's important to differentiate between heart attack and stroke:
Heart Attack: Both men and women can experience heart attacks, but the symptoms and risk factors can sometimes differ. Women might experience less typical symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or back pain, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Stroke: Stroke is a separate condition that affects the brain. Both men and women can have strokes, although certain risk factors might vary between the sexes.

Gender Differences:

Heart Attacks: Younger women might have a lower overall risk of heart attacks compared to men of the same age. However, certain conditions like diabetes can offset this advantage. After menopause, women's risk of heart disease increases and can approach or exceed that of men.

Stroke: Stroke risk factors can vary between men and women. For example, women who use birth control pills, particularly if they smoke, are at a higher risk of stroke due to the interaction between hormones and smoking.

It's crucial to note that heart health is influenced by various factors including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. Both men and women should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors, and seeking regular medical check-ups to prevent heart-related issues.