Rising Heart Attack Rates Among Young Women Alarm U.S. Doctors

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A new study is raising red flags about the rising number of heart attacks among young adults in the United States, especially women under the age of 40. According to researchers, this group is now representing the majority of cases in recent years — despite not showing traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol.

The study, led by Dr. Claire Raphael, an interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, points to a condition known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) as one of the hidden culprits. “Unlike the typical heart attack caused by artery blockage due to plaque, in these cases, the artery in the heart suddenly tears, cutting off blood supply and triggering a heart attack,” Dr. Raphael explained.

Researchers found that SCAD is nearly six times more common in women than in men, typically affecting younger and otherwise healthy women. The condition can be triggered by intense physical exercise — but in many cases, it appears without warning.

“Anyone can have a heart attack. It’s not just older people or smokers. If you feel chest pain or you don’t feel well, get it checked out,” Dr. Raphael advised.

The findings also revealed another concerning trend: among the nearly 1,500 cases studied, the second most common — and deadliest — type of heart attack was linked to physical stressors such as anemia or infections. This type of event carried a 33% five-year mortality rate.

Experts emphasize that awareness is critical. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden discomfort should never be ignored, regardless of age.