NPJ Cardiovascular Health
Acute coronary syndromes across the lifespan of women
ReviewMechanisms
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in women differ from those in men, with age-specific variations in etiology, presentation, and outcomes. Women face distinct risk factors, from autoimmune conditions to pregnancy-associated complications, to microvascular dysfunction. Missed and delayed diagnosis and treatment, and underrepresentation in clinical research compound these risks. This review outlines the evolving mechanisms of ACS in women and calls for tailored, evidence-based strategies to improve diagnosis, prevention, and care.
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Autoimmune disease
- Coronary microvascular dysfunction
- Pregnancy complications
- Humans
The paper
Mayo Clinic
NPJ Cardiovascular Health, 25 May 2026, Open access

