Women’s heart attacks are often poorly diagnosed, reveals the study by Mayo Clinic

Heart crises are not always alike – and a new study by Mayo Clinic highlights the main differences between the way they affect men and women.

The most common cause of heart attacks overall is the obstructed arteries (atherosclerosis), but in people under 65 – especially women – there are often other factors at stake.

Atherosclerosis is responsible for 75% of men’s heart attacks, but only 47% of women’s heart events, according to data.

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In the study, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the researchers have analyzed more than 15 years of data on 1,474 heart attacks.

They found that more than half of heart attacks in women under the age of 65 were caused by “non -traditional factors”.

The most common cause of heart attacks overall is the obstructed arteries (atherosclerosis), but in people under 65 – especially women – there are often other factors at stake. (istock)

These included embolism and spontaneous dissection of the coronary artery (SCAD), among other factors.

Researchers also found that the underlying causes of women’s heart attacks were often overlooked or badly diagnosed.

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SCAD – A rare but serious condition that occurs when a tear develops in the coronary artery – is almost six times more frequent in women compared to men.

It is often poorly diagnosed as a typical heart attack caused by the accumulation of plaque, which could cause stents unnecessarily, noted the researchers.

Research highlights the need to rethink the way in which heart attacks are discussed, especially in younger women. (istock)

People who have suffered heart attacks caused by stressors like anemia or infection had higher five -year mortality rates, according to the study.

“Recognizing and properly diagnosing these non -traditional heart attacks allows more appropriate care and better long -term results,” the press release said.

Less than 3% of heart attacks were “really unexplained”.

“When the deep cause of a heart attack is poorly understood, it can lead to less effective – even harmful treatments.”

“This research highlights provoks of heart attacks which have historically been under-recognized, in particular among women,” said Claire Raphael, MBBS, Ph.D., interventional cardiologist in Mayo Clinic and the first author of the study, in a press release.

“When the deep cause of a heart attack is poorly understood, it can lead to less effective – even harmful treatments.”

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The main author Rajiv Gulati, MD, PH.D., president of the division of interventional cardiology and ischemic cardiac diseases in Mayo Clinic, said that research highlights the need to rethink the way in which heart attacks are discussed, especially in younger women.

“Clinicians must refine their awareness of conditions such as the SCAD, embolism and triggers linked to stress, and patients must defend the answers when something does not seem well,” he said in the press release.

“Understanding why a heart attack has occurred is just as important as treating it,” added Raphael. “This can make the difference between recovery and recurrence.”

“It is crucial to recognize that all heart attacks are not identical or caused by the same events,” said a cardiologist. (istock)

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist based in Maryland and a chief doctor of Vitalsolution, an Ingnovis health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals in the country, was not involved in the study but commented the results.

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“It is crucial to recognize that all heart attacks are not identical or caused by the same events,” he said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “Being young, in good health and women does not guarantee immunity against the heart attack.”

The cardiologist highlighted the importance of listening to your body and realizing that no one is immune to a heart attack.

“It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise, avoid smoking and knowing the condition of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” said a doctor. (istock)

“It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise, avoid smoking and knowing the state of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” he advised.

“The most effective lawyer is a well -informed patient,” added Serwer. “It is crucial to be aware of your medical history, your drugs and your specific heart risk factors.”

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In case of new chest pain of appearance, shortness of breath or fatigue of severe effort, the doctor said that it was essential to consult an immediate doctor.

“Do not be aware of the symptoms because you can be considered a low risk of heart attack,” he said.

“Being young, in good health and women does not guarantee immunity against the heart attack.”

The study has certain limits, noted Serwer, including a lack of ethnic diversity.

“Research has also not taken into account the severity of the underlying medical conditions,” he said.

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Overall, this study recalls that there are many different causes of heart attacks, said Serwer.

“We must keep an open mind when evaluating a younger patient with potential heart symptoms. There is not a” one -sized “approach to treat heart attacks in young people.”