In a concerning revelation, an Irish charity has highlighted alarming gaps in awareness of heart attack symptoms among women in Ireland. Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in collaboration with Global Heart Hub (GHH), is urging women across the country to educate themselves about the signs of a heart attack, as heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death for women in Ireland.
Statistics indicate that one in four women die from cardiovascular disease, yet a recent survey conducted in March 2025 revealed that many women may not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. The survey, which included 502 women aged over 18, found that only 3% could name all relevant symptoms, while less than 1% could accurately identify symptoms without naming incorrect ones. Alarmingly, only half of the respondents were aware that the warning signs in women may differ from those experienced by men.
Heart attack symptoms in women can often be more subtle, making them difficult to recognize. According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), the main symptoms to watch for include sudden chest discomfort that does not go away, pain that may spread to one or both arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach, shortness of breath, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, sweating, and feelings of anxiety.
Ellie Byrne, a woman who experienced a heart attack, shares her story to raise awareness. While working from home, she began to feel symptoms that her daughter recognized as serious. "My daughter said she would call an ambulance, and I said 'you're being ridiculous, it's two weeks before Christmas, I don't have time for a heart attack,'" Byrne recalled. Despite her dismissive attitude, her daughter Jane, who had just completed a first aid course, insisted on calling for help after noticing Byrne's symptoms.
Upon arrival, paramedics discovered that Byrne had a major blockage in one of her heart's main arteries, an aneurysm in the aortic artery, and a leaky valve. "The symptoms had been going on for weeks and I was ignoring them," she explained. Initially attributing her symptoms to indigestion and acid reflux, Byrne now recognizes the signs she experienced were serious and should not have been overlooked.
In a previous incident ten years ago, Byrne had a similar experience, where she also initially dismissed her symptoms. After feeling unwell on her way to work, she was escorted to an on-site ambulance, where paramedics attributed her symptoms to stress. It was only later that she learned she had experienced a small heart attack due to an undetected hole in her heart.
Dr. Sarah Earley, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at St James's Hospital and a clinical senior lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, emphasized that it is common for women to dismiss their symptoms during a heart attack. "Women often think, 'it's just more of the same,' especially post-menopausal. If you're developing new symptoms out of nowhere, like shortness of breath or indigestion, these could be critical warning signs that should not be ignored," she said.
Croí has launched a campaign to raise awareness of heart attack symptoms among women, highlighting that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, with coronary heart disease claiming more lives than breast cancer. The charity aims to bridge the gap in knowledge and encourage women to seek medical help if they experience any concerning symptoms.
In addition to the statistics, the survey results indicate a clear need for education. While many women believe they would recognize the signs of a heart attack, the reality is that a significant number are unaware of the unique symptoms that may present in women. The campaign by Croí is a vital step in addressing this gap and ensuring that women are informed and empowered to act when it comes to their heart health.
Byrne's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms and seeking help promptly. She urges other women to prioritize their health over daily tasks, stating, "Forget about the dishes, forget about Christmas; if you've got these niggly symptoms, you need to get them checked out."
As heart disease continues to be a leading health concern for women, awareness and education are crucial in reducing the risks and improving outcomes. The efforts of Croí and stories like Byrne's are essential in fostering a culture where women can confidently recognize and respond to the signs of a heart attack.
Women should remember that their heart health is paramount, and understanding the symptoms of a heart attack could save their lives. With proper awareness and timely action, the devastating impacts of heart disease can be mitigated.
