At 42, she had a heart attack at work though she was fit and a non-smoker: What hidden condition caused it?

In a shocking incident, a 42-year-old woman collapsed at work, suffering a heart attack despite appearing fit and a non-smoker. The case highlights an under-recognized problem: spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly affecting younger women. Unlike conventional heart attacks, SCAD occurs when a tear develops within the wall of a coronary artery, causing blood to enter and separate its layers, potentially narrowing or blocking the channel that supplies blood to the heart muscle.

This can lead to a heart attack and, in severe cases, dangerous heart rhythms that may result in cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. SCAD disproportionately affects women and can occur even in those without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, physical exertion, and severe emotional stress have been linked to some cases of SCAD.

While estrogen offers some protection, it is not a guarantee against heart disease. Pre-menopausal women still have cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, abnormal cholesterol, and physical inactivity. The transition to menopause can also alter the cardiovascular risk profile. Delay in seeking help is another challenge, as younger women may not recognize symptoms as a heart attack, mistaking chest discomfort for acidity, indigestion, anxiety, or exhaustion.

Any delay in reporting symptoms is critical because acute coronary syndromes require immediate assessment and treatment.