Hidden Cause Behind Half of Women’s Heart Attacks
A U.S. study reveals that over 50% of heart attacks in women are not caused by blocked arteries, but by invisible factors such as oxygen imbalance and spontaneous coronary artery tears.
A recent study shows that more than half of heart attacks in women are not caused by blocked arteries, challenging the traditional view that heart attacks are mainly due to blood clots.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic analyzed 1,474 heart attack cases in individuals aged 65 or younger between 2003 and 2018, carefully reviewing medical records to determine the root cause of each event.
The results revealed that arterial clots accounted for 75% of heart attacks in men, but only 47% in women. Cardiologist Claire Raphael emphasized that the study highlights historically underrecognized causes, particularly in women.
About 34% of heart attacks in women were linked to oxygen supply imbalance in the heart, due to factors like anemia or infections, while other causes included spontaneous coronary artery tears and blockages unrelated to atherosclerosis.
Researchers warned that misdiagnosis could lead to inappropriate treatments, stressing that understanding the root cause is as important as treatment, potentially making the difference between recovery and recurrent attacks.
Regular health screening is one of the most important steps to maintain good health and detect diseases early. The essential medical checkups for every age help in preventing complications and ensuring a healthier life.
Many people, after doing medical tests, receive their results and immediately start looking at numbers and unfamiliar terms like (High – Low – Normal) without fully understanding what they actually mean.
When dealing with medical services, many people come across different titles for doctors such as “Specialist” and “Consultant”, which can sometimes create confusion about what each title actually means and how they differ from each other.
Choosing the right time to visit a doctor is not a random decision. It can directly affect how quickly a condition is diagnosed and how effective the treatment will be. Many people delay visiting a doctor or go at the wrong time, which may lead to worsening symptoms or delayed care.
