Final answer:
Studies suggest that women may fare better after a heart attack due to a combination of factors, including socio-economic status, lifestyle, and biological influences such as the cholesterol-regulating effects of estrogens. Men are more likely to have strokes and depression also plays a significant role in cardiovascular risks for both sexes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several studies have indicated differences in survival rates post heart attack between men and women. Women may fare better than men after a heart attack for various reasons. One factor is that men are more likely than women to have strokes, which are a risk factor for future cardiovascular events. Additionally, women often come from higher socio-economic backgrounds, which correlate with better diets, exercise regimens, and access to healthcare, such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), though it's not HRT itself that lowers the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
It's also been found that estrogens can reduce the amount of cholesterol in blood vessels; after menopause, its reduced levels can increase cardiovascular issues in women. Lastly, depression, which is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular problems, affects survival rates differently, with depressed men having a 50% increased risk of death, whereas depressed women have a 70% increased risk. However, depressed individuals, in general, experience a 64% greater risk of developing heart disease.