Comment: Close the heart attack gender gap

In response to the news women are 50% more likely to receive a wrong heart diagnosis than men, Fletcher’s Assistant Litigation Executive, Daniel Finney believes the gender gap needs to be closed.

The British Heart Foundation released their new briefing, ‘Bias and Biology’ this week which examines the scale of heart-related inequality.

According to the briefing women in the UK are dying from heart attacks because they don’t receive the same care and treatment as men.

Daniel said:

It is genuinely alarming that women are 50% more likely to receive a wrong diagnosis than men.

Not only this, wrongly diagnosed heart attack victims have a 70% greater risk of death than someone diagnosed straight away.

It is vital that GPs and clinicians treat everyone equally.

Misdiagnosing a heart attack leads to devastating outcomes for people and their families. It is something that needs to be addressed now.

Just as, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan says, ‘heart attacks have never been more treatable. Every second counts.’

Ultimately, the gender gap needs to be closed.

As well as highlighting women’s risks, the BHF are also exploring the reasons behind their findings.

The foundation believe:

• Women aren’t as aware of the symptoms of a heart attack as men.
• Following a heart attack, women are less likely to receive potentially lifesaving treatment.
• There are concerns women are less likely to be prescribed the right medication to prevent a second heart attack.

Consequently, the BHF are asking online browsers to download their free information briefing.

This includes:

• Real case studies
• The symptoms of a heart attack.
• The signs to watch out for.
• Advice around treatment.

For more information and to download the BHF’s summary, visit