Global Cardiology Groups Update Heart Attack Definition for Better Diagnosis

Four major cardiology associations, including the AHA and ESC, have simplified the definition of heart attacks into three categories: primary, secondary, and procedure-related.

The new guidelines introduce sex-specific troponin protein thresholds to address diagnostic disparities, as women often present with atypical symptoms like nausea or shortness of breath instead of chest pain.

The framework specifically reclassifies spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) into the primary myocardial infarction category to ensure faster recognition and treatment for the condition, which affects women in 90% of cases.