Unique Presentations and Etiologies of Myocardial Infarction in Women

Despite recent efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, it remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women, particularly younger women. When compared to men, women have more inpatient complications, mortality, heart failure, and stroke following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) despite having less obstructive coronary artery disease. Moreover, women are less likely to have AMI from plaque rupture than men, and more likely to experience alternate etiologies of AMI including plaque erosion and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Herein, we discuss current knowledge regarding women’s unique experience of AMI, including demographics, presentation, etiologies, and acute and outpatient care.