Acute Coronary Syndromes in Premenopausal Women

Clinical Takeaway

: The American Heart Association has published a scientific statement on recognizing and managing the distinct etiologies and risk factors in this population.

Overview of the 2026 Acute Coronary Syndromes in Premenopausal Women: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

Background

Premenopausal women with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a distinct, understudied population with unique etiologies. Nonobstructive and nonatherosclerotic causes are more common in premenopausal women than in older populations, and female-specific factors (e.g., pregnancy-related conditions, hormonal influences) play a major role. These differences contribute to diagnostic challenges, treatment uncertainty, and underrepresentation in clinical trials. Management requires cause-specific treatment, attention to female-specific risks, and more-aggressive lifetime prevention strategies.

Key Points

Etiol…

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C.

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)