Global heart-attack definition updated to aid diagnosis of women

International cardiology societies have issued a new heart-attack definition that separates events into primary, secondary and procedure-related categories and recommends sex-specific troponin cut-offs. The change brings coronary disorders common in women, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection, into the same diagnostic framework as typical myocardial infarctions. Australian experts, including Tom Marwick of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Natalie Raffoul of the Heart Foundation, welcomed the move as a step toward better outcomes for women.

They highlighted that women often present with atypical symptoms and that current practice still falls short in delivering timely interventions and rehabilitation. Researchers such as Julie Redfern of Bond University stressed the need for stricter adherence to the guidelines to close remaining treatment gaps.