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At the 2025 Female Athlete Conference in Boston, sports cardiologists issued a clear warning: treating women’s hearts the same as men’s can be deadly. From anatomy to social stigma, the differences are critical—and too often overlooked.
Female hearts differ from male hearts at every level, influencing how symptoms present, how risks are assessed, and how care is delivered.
Despite these differences, women are often underrepresented in research, under-treated in emergencies, and underserved in sports medicine.
Dr. Eli Friedman, medical director of sports cardiology at the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, highlighted the urgency of timely cardiac response.
“Time is survival,” he said.
Yet, data shows women experiencing sudden cardiac arrest are less likely to receive CPR or have an AED used—partly due to bystander hesitation and fear of impropriety. Friedman called for better training using female mannequins to normalize emergency care, added:
“Anybody can perform CPR. Anybody can use an AED.”
Biology adds complexity. Female athletes are less likely to show the classic signs of heart attacks, and pre-participation screenings often miss conditions leading to sudden cardiac death. Cardiac imaging thresholds must also be adjusted—what’s normal for men may signal danger in women.
Dr. Meagan Wasfy of Massachusetts General Hospital emphasized cardiovascular care for “masters athletes,” or women over 35, especially as menopause increases risks like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
“Your heart’s pumping up against a brick wall,” she said, noting the need to treat risk factors early—not dismiss them as hormonal changes.
Ultimately, the message is clear: appearances can be misleading, and female athletes—at any age—deserve proactive, personalized cardiac care.
Whether elite competitors or everyday runners, women need equal attention in both research and response. Because in cardiac emergencies, seconds—and awareness—can save lives. Full story here!
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