Data shows alarming increase in heart attack deaths among younger women

Heart attack deaths are on the rise among individuals under age 55, especially women.

That’s according to recent research published by the American Heart Association, which outlined an increase in the number of deaths of U.S. individuals aged 18 to 54 who were hospitalized after a first severe heart attack between 2011 and 2022. Researchers examined nearly 1 million hospitalizations and noted a higher rate of death among women from heart attacks caused by both complete and partial blockages compared to men.

After assessing risk factors, researchers determined nontraditional factors, such as preeclampsia and kidney disease, were playing a role in these deaths and not just traditional risk factors, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Women had a higher number of nontraditional risk factors at play.

“These findings underscore the importance of educating patients of all ages about heart attack risk factors,” says Dr. Manan Naik, an interventional cardiologist at Advocate Health Care. “Many people are not aware of their risk and the ways in which lifestyle choices and other medical conditions can impact their likelihood of having a heart attack.”

Dr. Naik also says individuals between 18 to 54 years of age, especially women, often ignore factors that place them at risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Chest pain isn’t the only symptom, and people often attribute the symptoms they are experiencing to other conditions,” he says. “Plus, symptoms in women can look different than in men. Other signs of a heart attack can include lightheadedness, chest pressure, indigestion, sweating, shortness of breath and nausea. When it comes to a heart attack, a person’s best chance at survival happens when they are diagnosed early and immediate medical attention is provided.”

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