Beyond Clogged Arteries: Heart Attacks Are Skyrocketing In Young Women And The Real Cause May Shock You

The story behind heart attacks in younger adults, especially in women is more complex than what we previously thought. New study sheds light on some of the non-traditional factors that contributes heart attack in women under 65.

An eye-opening revelation of heart attacks linked to younger women in today’s time. While all these years, many researchers have pushed findings forward on how clogged arteries are generally the culprit that triggers cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attack and stroke, a new study has highlighted a concerning new picture.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology by the Mayo Clinic analyzed over 15 years of data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, the story behind heart attacks in younger adults, especially in women is more complex than what we previously thought.

Women Under 65 Were Examined

Heart attacks are generally attributed to clogged or blocked arteries. It occurs when the walls of your blood vessels have plaque buildup, such as fats, cholesterol and other substances that interrupt blood flow throughout your body. After examining hundreds of heart attacks in people aged 65 and under, a team of researchers have pointed fingers to non-traditional factors, conditions unrelated to artery blockages, such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and embolisms, that caused heart attacks in women.

The new findings also revealed that heart attack incidents in women are significantly lower than in men, but when they occur, it is often misdiagnosed.

What Is SCAD?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an emergency medical condition, which a tear forms in the walls of your heart artery. SCAD can clock or reduce blood flow to your heart, resulting to heart attack, abnormal heartbeat rate, and sudden death. All this time, most cases of SCAD were classified as plaque buildup but the new study has proven otherwise.

Common Causes Of Heart Attack In Both Sexes

According to the recent publication, atherosclerosis and artery-clogging plaque were common causes of heart attack in both sexes, which accounted for 47% of heart attacks in women, compared to 75% in men.

Talking about the new understanding, Claire Raphael, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and first author of the study, she stated, “This research shines a spotlight on heart attack causes that have historically been under-recognized, particularly in women. When the root cause of a heart attack is misunderstood, it can lead to treatments that are less effective or even harmful.”

Further, the senior author of the study, Dr. Rajiv Gulati, also added, “Our research highlights the larger need to rethink how we approach heart attacks in this patient population, and for younger adult women, in particular. Clinicians must sharpen their awareness of conditions like SCAD, embolism and stress-related triggers, and patients should advocate for answers when something doesn’t feel right.”

How To Prevent Heart Attacks?

Some of the most risky behavioural factor that increases the chance of triggering heart attacks are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. Therefore, the best way to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CDV) outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) is by avoiding tobacco use, reducing salt intake in the diet, consuming more fruit and vegetables, and regularly exercising. The global health organization also warns against the harmful use of alcohol.

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FAQs

Can Irregular Sleep Cause Heart Problems?

Yes. Irregular sleep can raise blood pressure, stress hormones, and increase the risk of a heart attack.

What Are The Symptoms of Heart Attack?

Heart attacks are often called the ‘Silent Killer’ – this is mainly because they come without any warning signs sometimes. However, experts say that the body sends certain signs when the heart is in real trouble. Some of the common signs of a heart attack include – chest pain, chest discomfort, discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, and sweating. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and fatigue. It’

Heart Attack Vs Cardiac Arrest: What Is The Difference?

A heart attack is very much different from a cardiac arrest. In case of a heart attack, the blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually due to a clogged artery, damaging the heart muscle. In contrast, cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, causing the person to collapse and stop breathing.

What Is Heart Attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency wherein the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Heart attacks are often silent, but sometimes the body may give certain indicators when the organ is in trouble, such as – chest pain, discomfort, upper body part paralysis, and breathlessness.