(NaturalHealth365)  Heart attacks aren’t just a concern for older adults.  A new study from the Mayo Clinic reveals that people under 65 – especially women – are suffering heart attacks from causes doctors often fail to recognize.  These aren’t always the “clogged arteries” we’ve been warned about.

For decades, physicians assumed atherosclerosis, or artery-clogging plaque, was the dominant cause of myocardial infarction (MI).  But data from over 15 years of the Rochester Epidemiology Project in Olmsted County, Minnesota, tells a startling story: more than half of heart attacks in women under 65 stem from nontraditional triggers, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), embolism, and stress-induced heart injury.

Young women are at higher risk than you think

SCAD – a sudden tear in a coronary artery – strikes mostly younger, otherwise healthy women.  Shockingly, these events are frequently misdiagnosed as standard heart attacks, leading to treatments like stent placement that may be unnecessary and even dangerous.

The study found that while 75% of heart attacks in men were caused by plaque, only 47% of women’s were – nonatherothrombotic causes dominated, with SCAD nearly six times more common in women than men.

Heart attacks triggered by stressors such as anemia or infection were the deadliest, with a five-year mortality rate of 33%, yet standard cardiac assessments often overlook these causes.

Why misdiagnosis can be fatal

Dr. Claire Raphael, lead author, warns that misunderstanding the root cause of a heart attack can lead to ineffective – or even harmful – treatments.  A misdiagnosed SCAD, for instance, may lead to unnecessary stenting, which can increase the risk of complications rather than prevent them.  Correctly identifying the underlying cause is critical for recovery and long-term health.

Without an accurate diagnosis, patients may continue to face hidden risks that go unaddressed, leaving them vulnerable to repeat heart events.  Early recognition and proper treatment can mean the difference between a full recovery and lifelong cardiovascular damage.

Overlooked natural strategies to support a healthy heart

Beyond the usual diet and exercise advice, there are natural strategies to fortify your heart and protect against hidden triggers:

1. Stress management: Chronic stress and acute stressors like infections or anemia can trigger heart events.  Practices like mindfulness meditation and breathwork can lower stress hormones and support cardiac function.

2. Sleep optimization: Quality sleep regulates blood pressure, hormones, and inflammation – all key factors in heart health.  Prioritize consistent sleep schedules and a dark, quiet bedroom.

3. Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Beyond heart-healthy fats and vegetables, incorporate turmeric, ginger, and polyphenol-rich foods that reduce systemic inflammation.

4. Oral and gum care: Gum disease is linked to arterial inflammation.  Regular dental hygiene and natural remedies, such as oil pulling, can help reduce the bacterial load and support cardiovascular health.

5. Functional lab testing: Some hidden contributors to heart damage – like insulin resistance, systemic infections, or micronutrient deficiencies – can be uncovered with advanced testing.  Early detection empowers prevention.

Transform your heart health knowledge

This research demands a rethink: young adults, particularly women, need tailored approaches to heart attack prevention.  Advocacy and awareness are essential.  Don’t settle for generic advice – insist on understanding the root cause of your symptoms.

What if the heart health strategies used by 22 of the very best scientists, researchers, doctors, and nutritionists were right at your fingertips?  With Jonathan Landsman’s Cardiovascular Docu-Class, you can access 32 expert-led presentations, 17 “unaired” bonus sessions, all 49 audio recordings and transcripts, plus valuable heart rescue guides, recipes, and more.

Don’t miss the chance to gain lifesaving insights into heart attack prevention and recovery.  With more than half of adults affected by cardiovascular conditions, this knowledge could save your life – or the life of someone you love.  Order today and put the world’s leading heart health expertise in your hands.

Sources for this article include:

Jacc.org
Medicalxpress.com