Heart Attacks in Younger Women  ̶  Different Causes, Different Symptoms

Most people think heart attacks happen when an artery is blocked by plaque. However, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the cause of a heart attack for more than half of women under 65 didn’t come from blocked arteries.

The study tracked heart damage in nearly 3,000 people for 15 years in a Minnesota county. Researchers found that 75 percent of heart attacks in younger males stemmed from the common cause of artery blockage. That wasn’t the case for younger women, with 47 percent suffering from heart attacks caused by artery blockage.

In younger women, the study found that heart attacks can be linked to random tears in the artery wall called spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD. It also found that more than 50 percent of these cases are misdiagnosed as common artery blockages or unexplained heart attacks. According to the American College of Cardiology, SCAD is now recognized as the leading cause of heart attack in younger and middle-aged women, especially those without traditional risk factors. The issue arises when it’s time to treat this type of heart attack since certain procedures can further damage the artery wall.

The signs of heart attack in women can differ from the classic chest pain often noticed by men. Common symptoms for women are:

• Uncomfortable chest pressure
• Pain in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness or fatigue

If these symptoms present itself, go to the nearest emergency room. The takeaway is that in younger women, heart attacks often have other causes and may present with less typical symptoms. Understanding the signs of heart attack and knowing the cause can help save lives.

Jackson Heart Institute cardiologists provide comprehensive heart care to patients of all ages, every step of the way. To learn more about heart health or to schedule an appointment, visit MiamiHeartLeader.org.