Cardiovascular disease symptoms in women differ from men

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Brazil, including among women. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), women often face challenges with underdiagnosis and undertreatment of cardiometabolic diseases.

Medical experts note that cardiovascular symptoms in women can differ from the classic male pattern, often presenting as more discrete signs that may be mistaken for stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes. This can lead to delays in seeking medical attention. The SBC estimates that female deaths from heart attacks are eight times higher than those recorded from breast cancer.

Cardiologist Carla Okabe explains that because historical studies focused primarily on men, female complaints are sometimes minimized or attributed to other causes. Key warning signs include persistent fatigue or a decrease in physical capacity, where activities that were once easy begin to require more effort.