Facts & Myths

Myth

Women perceive breast cancer to be the leading cause of death in women.

Fact

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women over the age of 40
• 1 in 4 women will die of some form of cardiovascular disease
• 1 in 30 women will die from breast cancer

Myth

Women and men will experience the same signs and symptoms of a heart attack

Fact

• Women are more likely to have a ‘silent’ heart attack, one without clear signs and symptoms

Myth

Women seek immediate medical attention when experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Fact

• Women believe only men have heart attacks
• Women do not recognize symptoms of a heart attack are often different than men
• Women are afraid of embarrassment if symptoms are false alarms and do not want to bother their physician
• Women delay seeking medical attention 4-6 hours longer than men

Myth

The standard exercise treadmill test provides accurate diagnostic information in both men and women

Fact

• The standard exercise treadmill test has been analyzed/researched only in men
• Exercise treadmill testing alone is not accurate in detecting heart disease in women

Myth

Life expectancy after a heart attack affects men and women equally

Fact

• 38% of women versus 25% of men will die within one year of a recognized heart attack
• 35% of women versus 18% of men heart attack survivors will have another heart attack within six years
• 46% of women versus 22% of men heart attack survivors will be disabled with heart failure within six years

Source: Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center.