New heart attack definition promises better care for women
Leading cardiovascular health groups reclassify overlooked causes and introduce sex-specific diagnostic thresholds
TL;DR
- A universal definition of heart attack has been agreed upon by global cardiovascular health groups.
- This aims to improve treatment for women who have historically been deprioritized.
- Three types of heart attacks, more common in women and often caused by childbirth, exercise, or stress, have been upgraded in the new guidance.
- The new guidelines will also lower the diagnostic threshold for troponin levels in women.
- The upgrade addresses issues like coronary artery spasm, coronary embolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (Scad).