Younger Women Face Distinct, Underdiagnosed Heart Attack Risks: Mayo Study

Many heart attacks in people under 65, especially women, stem from factors beyond clogged arteries, challenging old assumptions according to Mayo Clinic. A 15-year study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, revealing nontraditional causes like spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and embolism frequently trigger heart attacks in younger women.

spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which often affects younger healthy women, is commonly misdiagnosed as classic artery plaque buildup, leading to ineffective treatments. While atherosclerosis remains the most common cause in men and women, it accounted for just 47% of heart attacks in women versus 75% in men. The study highlights the need for better diagnosis and awareness to prevent harmful interventions and improve outcomes, especially for women, urging patients to advocate for thorough evaluations when symptoms appear atypical.

Reference: Raphael, C, Sandoval, Y, Beachey, J. et al. Causes of Myocardial Infarction in Younger Patients: Troponin-Elevation in Persons ≤65 Years Old in Olmsted County. JACC. 2025 Sep, 86 (12) 877–888.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.07.012