5 Ways Cardiac Arrest Affects Men And Women Differently, Expert Reveals

To understand these differences better and learn what signs to watch out for, we spoke with Dr Gajinder Kumar Goyal, Programme Clinical Director of Cardiology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad. He shared valuable insights on how these symptoms show up differently in men and women, and what to look out for to potentially save a life.

5 Ways Cardiac Arrest Affects Men and Women Differently

Cardiac arrest impacts both men and women, but not in the same way. Differences in hormones, biology, and even social behaviour create variations in how symptoms show up, how quickly people respond, and what happens afterwards. Dr Kumar Goyal shares key ways cardiac arrest affects men and women differently:

1. Symptoms Show Up Differently

Men often experience the classic warning signs, like sudden chest pain and collapse. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, or pain in the jaw or back. Dr Goyal explains that these ‘atypical’ symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment in women, as they aren’t always recognised immediately as heart-related.

2. Age Of Onset Varies

Cardiac arrest usually occurs earlier in men, often in their 50s or 60s. In women, it tends to happen later, usually after menopause, when oestrogen levels drop and they lose the natural heart protection that hormones provide, says Dr Goyal.

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3. Differences in Survival Rates

According to Dr Goyal, women generally have lower survival rates following cardiac arrest. This is partly because their symptoms are not recognised quickly enough, leading to delays in getting help. Interestingly, younger women may sometimes have slightly better outcomes than men of the same age, thanks to the protective effects of hormones.

4. Response To Treatment Isn’t The Same

Men and women respond differently to resuscitation efforts and post-arrest treatments. Dr Goyal points out that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR compared to men, which significantly affects their chances of survival and recovery.

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5. Emotional Impact Differs Too

After surviving cardiac arrest, women are more prone to experiencing anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress. This can influence their overall recovery and quality of life in the long run. Dr Goyal emphasises that providing emotional and psychological support is just as important as physical treatment for these patients.

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