Quick summary: Women having heart attacks wait far longer than men to seek help and are 59% more likely to be misdiagnosed, losing minutes that destroy heart muscle and raising the risk of death by up to 70% within a month. Dismissal of symptoms as anxiety or indigestion, slower ECG checks, and weaker listening in the exam room leave women at a systematic disadvantage in emergency care. Acting at the first unusual pain, insisting on an ECG within 10 minutes, knowing personal risk factors, and building a network that will call emergency services immediately can close that gap and improve survival and well-being.
Beyond misdiagnosis and the biological differences between women’s and men’s hearts, there is another, often overlooked factor: timing.
As a cardiologist, I have seen how unfair the clock can be to women. Culture, bias, and decades of research that excluded women have left them at a disadvantage. The reality is that women not only face different symptoms, but they also face delays in recognition, in action, and in treatment.
In a heart attack, every minute matters. The faster the blood flow is restored, the more heart muscle is saved. But women often lose precious time before they even reach the hospital.
Studies show women wait significantly longer than men to call 911, on average 37 minutes longer, according to a Swiss study. Younger women and Black adults with chest pain also experience longer ER wait times and less thorough evaluations. When they do arrive, they are less likely to get an ECG within the recommended 10 minutes.
Even worse, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed. A major British study found that women having a severe heart attack were 59% more likely than men to be told it was something else, such as anxiety, indigestion, or a pulled muscle. Being sent home or treated late can raise the risk of death by up to 70% within a month.
Alison Fillingham, a seasoned nurse from Bolton with 24 years of experience under her belt, didn’t immediately realize she was experiencing a heart attack. As described in Heart Matters magazine, she recounted:
I had pain in my collarbone and neck, but I just thought it was because I’d had a hectic few days. I went to work as normal and hoped the pain would go away.
Believing the discomfort would pass, she went to work as usual. But two days later, the pain intensified and spread to her jaw so severe that her sister insisted she call an ambulance. When paramedics arrived, however, they concluded it was “just a panic attack” and transported her to the hospital without urgency. It wasn’t until hours later that a proper diagnosis was made: Alison had suffered a heart attack. She reflected:
Knowing how much this delayed diagnosis could have put my life at risk, I wish I’d recognized the symptoms and called the ambulance immediately… I’m now more aware that heart disease can affect anyone at any time, but at the time, a heart attack was the last thing I thought could be happening to me.
This is not just about clinical bias in tests, it is also about how women’s voices are heard in the exam room. Research on health-related communicative disenfranchisement shows that women, especially women of colour, report being dismissed, interrupted, or told their symptoms are “in their head” far more often than men. This dismissal is a key reason for delayed diagnosis and treatment. One UK survey found 84% of women felt ignored by doctors, and 57% believed they received an incorrect diagnosis.
What women can do to overcome the delay
Heart disease may be unfairly stacked against women, but there are concrete steps to tip the balance back in your favor.
1. Recognise and act on symptoms early
Don’t downplay chest pain, pressure, or unexplained fatigue, especially if it spreads to the neck, jaw, back, or arm. Other common symptoms in women: shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, or sudden sweating. If symptoms last more than a few minutes or feel “different than usual,” call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if it goes away.
Remember: On average, women wait 30–40 minutes longer than men to seek care. Those lost minutes can mean lost heart muscle.
2. Insist on a full evaluation in the ER
When you arrive, clearly say, “I think I may be having a heart attack.” Ask for an ECG within 10 minutes; this is the standard of care. If told “it’s anxiety” or “indigestion,” respectfully but firmly say: “I understand, but given my symptoms and risk, I want to rule out a heart problem first.”
Request to see a cardiologist if symptoms persist without explanation.
3. Know your personal risk factors
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, menopause, pregnancy complications, and family history all raise risk. Share these openly with the ER team; they can strengthen your case for urgent testing.
4. Build a support network
Tell your family, friends, or co-workers: “If I ever say I have chest discomfort, we call 911 immediately.” Sometimes others will recognize your symptoms faster than you will.
5. Raise awareness
Share your story or what you’ve learned on social media. Talk about heart symptoms with friends the way people talk about breast cancer signs. Encourage women in your circle to take symptoms seriously. Remind them, “it’s better to overreact than underreact.”
Takeaway
Women cannot wait and hope unusual pain will pass. Call emergency services at the first sign of chest pressure, neck or jaw pain, or sudden unexplained fatigue, state clearly that you may be having a heart attack, and ask for an ECG within ten minutes. Knowing your risk factors and telling family and colleagues to act at once can close the gap that currently costs women heart muscle and lives.
Arash Bereliani, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Beverly Hills Institute for Cardiology and Preventive Medicine. He is a clinical associate professor of medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and the author of “What About Her Heart?”.
