Private MD News

Researchers find evidence of low-level heart attacks in women with no risk factors

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

It may be possible for a woman to experience a heart attack, even in the absence of traditional risk factors like unhealthy cholesterol test results, according to a new study. The researchers said it may be important to thoroughly test all individuals they suspect of having suffered a cardiovascular event.

Researchers from New York University found that cholesterol plaque disruptions - which happen when buildups of fat in the arties become dislodged - can occur at such low levels in women that they are not detectable with a traditional angiogram. Yet, these events are among the leading causes of heart attacks.

The team said that their findings underscore the importance of thoroughly screening every woman who is suspected of having suffered a heart attack, as evidence of an event may not show up on certain tests.

Properly diagnosing individuals who have suffered heart attacks is important because once a person has experienced one, they are significantly more likely to suffer others. Cholesterol-lowering statins are often prescribed to heart attack victims to reduce this risk.