The female heart is smaller than the male heart, weighing on average between 230 and 280 grams. While the exact dimensions vary, Gray's Anatomy provides measurements of approximately 12 cm in length, 8.5 cm in width, and 6 cm in thickness as general cardiac dimensions (note that these figures represent averages and individual variation exists). However, these dimensions do not exclusively apply to females, representing general human heart dimensions.
Size and Weight Differences
Several studies confirm the size difference between male and female hearts. For example, a study of the normal heart size in Northwest Iran reported a mean heart weight of 230-280 grams in females, compared to 280-340 grams in males. This difference is consistently observed across various research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5075360/ The smaller size translates to differences in cardiac output, but the ejection fraction (the percentage of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction) can be larger in females. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8980481/
Importance of Heart Health in Women
It is crucial to understand that while the female heart is generally smaller, this doesn't diminish the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains a significant health concern for women, often presenting with different symptoms than in men. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20046167 Early detection and preventative measures, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, are essential for women's heart health. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/02/09/the-slowly-evolving-truth-about-heart-disease-and-women
