Ischemic Heart Disease in Young Women

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2022-09, Vol.80 (10), p.1014-1022
• Main Authors: Minissian, Margo B., Mehta, Puja K., Hayes, Sharonne N., Park, Ki, Wei, Janet, Bairey Merz, C. Noel, Cho, Leslie, Volgman, Annabelle Santos, Elgendy, Islam Y., Mamas, Mamas, Davis, Melinda B., Reynolds, Harmony R., Epps, Kelly, Lindley, Kathryn, Wood, Malissa, Quesada, Odayme, Piazza, Gregory, Pepine, Carl J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: disease; heart; ischemic; mortality; women
• ISSN: 0735-1097; 1558-3597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.01.057

The Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee of the American College of Cardiology convened a working group to develop a consensus regarding the continuing rise of mortality rates in young women aged 35 to 54 years. Heart disease mortality rates in young women continue to increase. Young women have increased mortality secondary to ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared with comparably aged men and similar mortality to that observed among older women. The authors reviewed the published evidence, including observational and mechanistic/translational data, and identified knowledge gaps pertaining to young women. This paper provides clinicians with pragmatic, evidence-based management strategies for young women at risk for IHD. Next-step research opportunities are outlined. This report presents highlights of the working group review and a summary of suggested research directions to advance the IHD field in the next decade. [Display omitted] •Ischemic heart disease mortality rates for women age 35 to 54 years are not decreasing.•Although the most frequent cause of AMI in these young women is obstructive CAD, up to 15% have unobstructed coronary arteries.•Women with AMI less often receive guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy and invasive management than men, contributing to higher mortality.