By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon and Paras Hospitals East.
Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. This life-threatening condition can occur in both men and women, regardless of age. However, studies indicate that women have a 34% survival rate from the moment of cardiac arrest to hospital admission, compared to 37% in men. This difference may be influenced by anatomical and physiological factors, disparities in medical care access, and variations in emergency response times.
Before exploring the factors that contribute to lower survival rates in women, let’s first understand the causes and symptoms of cardiac arrest in women.
Which Women Are at Risk of Cardiac Arrest?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of cardiac arrest in women, potentially leading to lower survival rates. These risk factors include:
- Advancing Age – The risk increases with age, especially after menopause.
- High Blood Pressure – Hypertension puts extra strain on the heart.
- Diabetes – Women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart complications.
- Obesity – Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
- Tobacco & Alcohol Consumption – Smoking and excessive alcohol weaken the heart.
- Family History of Heart Disease – Genetic predisposition plays a significant role.
- Hormonal Changes – Menopause-related hormonal shifts can impact heart health.
Understanding these risk factors can help women take proactive steps toward heart health and prevention.
Signs of Cardiac Arrest in Women
Women may experience different or more subtle symptoms before cardiac arrest compared to men. Here are key warning signs to watch for:
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or belly – Pain may not always be centred in the chest.
- Nausea or vomiting – Unexplained digestive issues can signal heart distress.
- Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing, even at rest, is a red flag.
- Unusual fatigue – Extreme tiredness days or weeks before cardiac arrest.
- Light-headedness or dizziness – Feeling faint or losing balance unexpectedly.
- Heartburn – A burning sensation that may be mistaken for acid reflux.
- Sweating – Sudden, cold sweats without exertion.
- Chest pain or discomfort – Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest.
- Pain in the arms – Radiating pain, especially in the left arm.
Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical help can be lifesaving.
Factors Affecting Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates in Women
Several factors contribute to the lower survival rate of women experiencing cardiac arrest compared to men:
- Anatomic Differences – Women have smaller coronary arteries and lower blood flow, making resuscitation more challenging.
- Menopause Transition (MT) – Hormonal changes during menopause affect body composition, lipid levels, and vascular health, increasing heart disease risk.
- Lower CPR Performance – Studies show men are more likely to receive bystander CPR than women, reducing survival chances.
- Misdiagnosis – Women’s heart symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety or indigestion, delaying critical treatment.
- Delayed Response – Many women hesitate to seek medical help, unaware of heart attack warning signs.
- Age Factor – Women typically experience cardiac arrest at an older age than men, which is linked to lower survival rates.
Awareness and timely medical intervention can help bridge this survival gap.
Ways to Prevent Cardiac Arrest in Women
While cardiac arrest cannot always be prevented, maintaining heart health can reduce the risk. Here’s how:
✔ Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle – Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
✔ Manage Health Conditions – Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
✔ Quit Smoking & Alcohol – Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.
✔ Recognize Warning Signs – Seek immediate medical help for chest pain or unusual symptoms.
✔ Monitor Hormonal Changes – Keep track of hormone levels, especially during menopause.
✔ Manage Stress – Practice yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
✔ Learn CPR – Ensure family members are trained in CPR for emergencies.
For expert guidance, consult a Paras Hospital Cardiologist today.
FAQs
🔹 What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, causing loss of consciousness and breathing.
🔹 When are women more prone to cardiac arrest?
According to the Center for Cardiac Arrest Prevention, 25.4% of women experience cardiac arrest at night, compared to 20.6% of men.
🔹 Can hormonal imbalance increase the risk of cardiac arrest?
Yes, hormonal changes during and after menopause can increase the risk of cardiac arrest in women.
🔹 Who is at high risk of experiencing cardiac arrest?
Adults between their mid-30s and mid-40s are at the highest risk.
🔹 How long can you survive a cardiac arrest?
Without CPR, survival chances drop significantly after 8 minutes.
For expert guidance, consult a Paras Hospital Cardiologist today.