Heart Attacks Vary by Gender: New Insights from Mayo Clinic

Heart attacks can present differently, and recent research from the Mayo Clinic sheds light on the distinct ways they impact men and women.

While atherosclerosis, or artery blockage, is the main cause of heart attacks, there are other factors at play for individuals under 65, particularly women.

Data suggests that atherosclerosis accounts for about 75% of heart attacks in men. In contrast, only 47% of heart attacks in women fall into this category.

In a study featured in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers examined over 15 years of data concerning 1,474 heart attack cases.

They discovered that more than half of heart attacks in women under 65 are linked to “non-traditional factors.”

These factors include embolism and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

It turns out many of the causes of heart attacks in women often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed.

SCAD, characterized by tears in the coronary artery, is almost six times more prevalent in women than men.

The researchers noted that stents are frequently placed unnecessarily, as many cases are misidentified as typical plaque-related heart attacks.

Moreover, those whose heart attacks are attributed to stressors like anemia or infections had a significantly higher five-year mortality rate.

“Identifying and accurately diagnosing these non-traditional heart attacks is crucial for improving care and long-term outcomes,” the release emphasizes.

Interestingly, fewer than 3% of heart attacks were classified as “truly unexplained.”

According to Claire Rafael, an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and one of the study’s authors, it highlights historically recognized causes of heart attacks, particularly in women.

“Misunderstanding the cause of a heart attack can lead to treatments that are ineffective or even harmful,” she pointed out.

Rajiv Grati, the senior author and Chair of the Department of Interventional Cardiology and Ischemic Heart Disease at Mayo Clinic, stressed the need to rethink heart attack approaches, especially for young women.

He mentioned that clinicians should sharpen their understanding of conditions like SCAD, embolism, and stress-related triggers, adding that patients should be proactive in seeking answers when they feel something is off.

“Understanding the cause is as vital as the treatment itself,” he said. This insight could distinguish between recovery and recurrence.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a chief cardiologist with Vitalsolution, noted that recognizing the diversity of heart attack causes is essential.

He commented, “Being young, healthy, and female doesn’t exempt anyone from experiencing a heart attack.” He encouraged awareness of chronic medical conditions and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Furthermore, knowing one’s medical history and possible heart risk factors plays a crucial role in prevention.

If someone experiences new chest pain, shortness of breath, or profound fatigue during exercise, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

“Ignoring symptoms can be dangerous, as they may still indicate a heart attack risk,” he warned.

Serwer did note limitations in the study, such as a lack of ethnic diversity and insufficient detail on the severity of underlying medical conditions.

Overall, this study serves as a reminder that heart attacks can arise from a multitude of causes. When assessing young patients with cardiac symptoms, a comprehensive and flexible approach is necessary.