MINOCA is also known as Myocardial Infarction without Obstructive Coronary Arteries. This is a form of heart attack that does not involve blockage of the arteries. Heart attacks are usually caused by blockage of the main coronary vessels. Doctors use a variety of methods to restore blood flow including bypass surgery, angioplasty or stents.
MINOCA is different. This type of heart attack is more common in women than men. It does not cause plaque buildup. Patients with MINOCA have also been unable to get a proper diagnosis. In particular, 78% of patients were incorrectly told that their symptoms were not related to the hearts. The same study on 297 patients also showed that 75% of those with the condition quit their jobs. 70% of patients reported a decline in their mental health and outlook on life.
Types MINOCA Heart Attacks
There are many types of MINOCA cases. These are:
- Spontaneous coronary arterial dissection (SCAD),: This type is caused by a small tear in the inner membrane of the blood vessel. This causes blood clots to form in the lining of an artery. This disrupts blood flow, and then leads to a heart attack.
- Coronary artery vasospasm : This type of MINOCA causes the blood vessel to spontaneously spasm, blocking blood flow just like a plaque in the coronary arteries.
- Microvascular disease: A type of heart attack that causes intermittent spasming in the blood vessels. This is called “endothelial dysfunction” and slows down blood circulation in the microvascular system.
Prevalence of MINOCA among Women
According to reports, MINOCA is more common in young women who are Black or Hispanic/Latino. In the past decade, there has been an increase of MINOCA cases. MINOCA was first coined by two doctors in 1939 after autopsies from two heart attack victims showed no or minimal signs of coronary artery disease. However, it has been a popular topic for a number of good reasons.
First, new technologies like high-sensitivity troponin testing have greatly aided doctors in detecting small-sized heart attacks. Studies have shown that heart attacks can occur in both men and women. Many people believe that heart attacks are only for the males and ignore women who have similar symptoms. Many advocacy groups are working hard to change these misconceptions.
Symptoms MINOCA
The many symptoms of MINOCA are:
- Cold sweats;
- Nausea, vomiting or even gastrointestinal problems.
- Pain in the neck, jaw, and arms.
- Breathing problems.
Treatment for MINOCA
Doctors treat MINOCA in the same manner as they treat other heart attacks. This includes using antiplatelet therapy, statins, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and beta-blockers.
