Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in both men and women. However, women are more likely to have symptoms that are different from traditional “chest pain” symptoms, which can make diagnosis more difficult.

Recently, a new test has become available that can more reliably detect heart attacks in women, even when symptoms are atypical.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

When someone is experiencing a heart attack, minutes count. The faster they are diagnosed and treated, the better their chances of survival and recovery. However, diagnosis can be difficult, particularly for women.

Traditional symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Women may experience these symptoms, but they are also more likely to experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and back or jaw pain, which can be easily attributed to other conditions.

This has led to a significant disparity in the diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks in women.

According to the American Heart Association, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or have their symptoms attributed to other conditions, leading to delays in treatment and worse outcomes. In fact, one study found that women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed than men.

The New Test: High-Sensitivity Troponin

The key to more accurate diagnosis of heart attacks in women is a new test called high-sensitivity troponin. Troponin is a protein that is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.

Traditional troponin tests are not sensitive enough to detect small or early heart attacks, particularly in women. High-sensitivity troponin, however, can detect even small amounts of the protein, making it much more reliable for diagnosis.

The test works by taking a blood sample from the patient and measuring the level of troponin in the blood. A higher level of troponin indicates that there has been more damage to the heart muscle, usually indicating a heart attack.

The test can be done quickly and easily in an emergency room or other medical setting.

Improved Outcomes for Women

Studies have shown that high-sensitivity troponin tests are much more reliable for diagnosing heart attacks in women than traditional troponin tests.

In fact, one study found that the high-sensitivity test was able to detect 93% of heart attacks in women, compared to just 67% with the traditional test. This means that more women are being properly diagnosed and receiving appropriate treatment.

Improvements in diagnosis are important because they can lead to better outcomes for patients. When heart attacks are diagnosed quickly, treatment can be started sooner, minimizing the damage to the heart muscle and reducing the risk of complications.

High-sensitivity troponin tests can help ensure that women are receiving timely and appropriate care.

Conclusion

The new high-sensitivity troponin test represents an important step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks, particularly in women.

By accurately detecting heart attacks, even when symptoms are atypical, the test can help ensure that women receive the care they need, when they need it. This can ultimately lead to better outcomes and improve overall health for women.