Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. But did you know that it impacts women and men differently? These differences affect risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Understanding these variations is essential for timely detection and better outcomes. For patients in Lucknow and across Uttar Pradesh, awareness is especially important, as many women still believe heart disease only affects men — leading to late diagnosis and avoidable complications.

This blog, with insights from Dr. Gautam Swaroop, Director of Cardiac Sciences at Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow, highlights the crucial differences.

Why Gender Differences Matter in Heart Health

Traditionally, heart disease was seen as a “man’s problem.” Yet women are equally at risk. In Lucknow, many women patients at Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital arrive late to the hospital because their symptoms are often misinterpreted as gastric issues or stress. By learning how men and women experience heart disease differently, patients and families in our region can be more alert to early warning signs.

Major Differences Between Women and Men in Heart Disease

• Risk Factors

  1. Women: Hormonal changes (especially after menopause), pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, and autoimmune conditions increase risk.
  2. Men: Develop heart disease earlier, often due to abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and smoking.

👉 In Lucknow, lifestyle factors like high-salt snacks, fried street food, and increasing sedentary habits affect both genders, but women often develop heart issues after age 50, while men are impacted earlier.

• Heart Attack Symptoms

1. 1. Men: Classic chest pain or pressure radiating to the arm or jaw.
   2. Women: More likely to have “atypical” symptoms — fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, back pain, or indigestion.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Men vs Women

Symptoms	Men (Common)	Women (Common)
Chest pain/pressure	✅	✅ (less typical)
Shortness of breath	✅	✅ (very common)
Fatigue	❌	✅
Nausea/vomiting	❌	✅
Back/jaw pain	❌	✅
Cold sweats	✅	✅

• Diagnosis Challenges

  1. Women: More prone to microvascular disease (small vessel blockages) often missed in standard angiograms.
  2. Men: Typically show blockages in larger arteries, easier to detect.

• Response to Treatment

  1. Women: Slightly higher risk of bleeding during stenting or bypass, respond well to lifestyle changes.
  2. Men: Generally do well with angioplasty or bypass surgery.

• Recovery and Prognosis

  1. Women: Often have slower recovery, with higher chances of post-heart attack depression.
  2. Men: Faster physical recovery but more likely to neglect lifestyle changes.

Prevention Tips

• For Women:
  • Heart check-ups after 40 (or earlier if risk factors exist).
  • Don’t ignore indigestion, fatigue, or breathlessness.
  • Manage pregnancy-related risks.
  • Focus on stress management.
• For Men:
  • Start heart screenings by age 30–35 if family history exists.
  • Quit smoking and moderate alcohol use.
  • Reduce belly fat with exercise.
  • Control cholesterol and blood pressure early.
• Shared Tips:
  • Balanced diet with less salt and oil.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
  • Stress management through yoga or meditation.

Regular screenings at a trusted heart hospital in Lucknow.

Local Insight – Heart Care in Lucknow

Urbanization in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh has led to rising heart problems in both men and women. Increased intake of fried foods, late-night eating habits, and work stress contribute heavily.

At Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow, our cardiology team led by Dr. Gautam Swaroop provides:

• Gender-specific screening packages for women and men.
• Advanced diagnostic facilities to detect microvascular disease.
• Preventive heart health programs for families.

If you are searching for the best cardiologist in Lucknow for women’s or men’s heart health, our hospital provides comprehensive care under one roof.

FAQs Section