How Heart Attacks Differ in Women - and How the Community Can Take Action
1/12/2026
February is American Heart Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging proactive steps toward cardiovascular wellness. DeTar Healthcare System is using this time to spotlight the unique risks women face with heart disease, why women tend to experience heart attacks later in life than men, and the critical gaps in recognition and emergency response that can impact survival.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet it is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated. While heart disease affects both men and women, it does not affect them in the same way. One of the most notable differences is timing. On average, women experience heart attacks seven to ten years later than men, largely due to the protective effects of estrogen during their reproductive years. Estrogen helps support healthy cholesterol levels and maintain flexible blood vessels. After menopause, estrogen levels decline, and a woman’s risk for heart disease rises significantly.
“Many women assume heart disease is primarily a men’s health issue, which can lead to dangerous delays in prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” Jolene Balboa, director of cardiovascular services at DeTar Healthcare System, said. “Understanding how heart disease presents differently in women is critical to saving lives.”
Beyond hormonal changes, women face several risk factors that are unique or more prevalent than in men. These include pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy, which increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—more common in women—can cause chronic inflammation that damages the heart and blood vessels. Diabetes increases heart disease risk more dramatically in women, and mental health factors such as chronic stress, depression and anxiety are also strongly linked to heart disease in women.
Women are also more likely to experience atypical heart attack symptoms. Rather than sudden chest pain, symptoms may include unusual fatigue; shortness of breath; nausea or dizziness; jaw, neck, shoulder or back pain; indigestion-like discomfort; or a general feeling that “something isn’t right.” These quieter symptoms can be easily dismissed, leading to delays in seeking care.
Delayed recognition can have deadly consequences. Research shows women experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrest are less likely than men to be recognized as being in cardiac distress or receive life-saving bystander CPR. A 2024 Duke University School of Medicine study found that women who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are 14 percent less likely to receive bystander CPR or defibrillation than men. Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain low, with only about 10 percent of patients surviving, making immediate action critical.
“Every minute matters during a cardiac emergency,” Balboa said. “When symptoms are overlooked or CPR is delayed, the chance of survival drops significantly. Recognizing that women’s heart attack symptoms can look different is essential to saving lives.”
Community Education and Heart Month Events
To support education, prevention, and empowerment, DeTar Healthcare System is hosting DeTar’s Heart Health Expo 2026 on Thursday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Victoria Community Center Dome. This free, expanded event brings together healthcare providers, community organizations and local businesses to promote heart health awareness and provide access to free screenings and hands-on education.
“Heart disease continues to impact families throughout our region, and education and prevention are critical,” Brett Maxfield, chief executive officer of DeTar Healthcare System, said. “DeTar’s Heart Health Expo reflects our commitment to strengthening the health of our community by providing access to screenings, expert guidance, and practical learning opportunities in one convenient location.”
Expo attendees can participate in chest pain and stroke awareness education, free health screenings, interactive demonstrations, hands-only CPR training, health vendor exhibits, and door prize drawings throughout the day. The event also serves as a kickoff to a broader week of heart health activities, including Go Red for Women Day on Friday, Feb. 6, and the Crossroads Heart & Stroke Walk on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Why It Matters
Risk factors for heart disease in women often differ from men and may emerge later in life, contributing to misconceptions about risk and delayed intervention. Health experts emphasize that anyone who collapses, becomes unresponsive, or stops breathing normally should receive immediate CPR while emergency services are called—regardless of gender.
“CPR is about saving a life, not second-guessing yourself,” Balboa added. “A delay can be fatal, but action can mean the difference between life and death.”
As part of American Heart Month, DeTar Healthcare System encourages the Crossroads community to take advantage of screenings, learn CPR, recognize warning signs, and speak openly with healthcare providers about personal and family health history.
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