Women’s Health: Atypical Presentation of Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes have been extensively investigated historically, cardiac research pertaining to women’s health has been slim. Women suffering MI often present atypically, in the absence of the classical chest pain or pressure classically suspicious of infarction. Consequently, healthcare providers often pursue alternate investigations and consider acute coronary syndrome low on their differential diagnosis.  This results in women facing significant delays in management. Furthermore, a lack of public knowledge of atypical presentations may lead women to delay presentation to emergency care. Further research is therefore needed to characterise the pathophysiological basis of acute coronary syndrome as a function of sex, which may help elucidate why women present atypically.  This will ultimately raise awareness concerning women’s cardiac health and prevent delays in the crucially time-dependent management of myocardial infarction.