Italian Study Reveals Hidden Risks of Heart Disease in Women

A new Italian study is focusing on acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in women, a group often overlooked in heart disease research. The GEDI-ACS registry has begun collecting detailed data from female patients across multiple cardiovascular centres in Italy. Its goal is to improve understanding and treatment of ACS, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide—particularly for women, who face higher mortality risks than men in similar age groups.

The registry plans to enrol 100 consecutive female patients with ACS, ensuring a diverse mix of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Initial findings from the first 68 participants show an average age of 68, with 7.4% identifying as non-Caucasian. A striking 85.3% of these women had low health literacy, highlighting potential barriers to care.

Common risk factors were widespread: 83.6% had dyslipidaemia, 77.9% suffered from hypertension, and half had a history of smoking. Autoimmune diseases affected 32.2% of the group, while anxiety and depression were reported by 42.6%. Pregnancy-related complications also stood out, with 32.3% having experienced miscarriage and 16.2% premature menopause—both known to influence long-term heart health.

For most women (86%), ACS marked their first watch event. Chest pain was the dominant symptom in 88.2% of cases, and 38.2% were diagnosed with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Within the first 30 days after the event, outcomes were positive: no deaths, strokes, or repeat heart attacks occurred, though 11.3% still reported recurrent chest pain.

The registry goes beyond standard clinical data. It incorporates sex-specific factors, psychosocial stressors, biochemical markers, and molecular details to develop more precise diagnostic and treatment approaches for women with ACS.

The GEDI-ACS registry's early results underscore the complexity of ACS in women, revealing high rates of risk factors, pregnancy-related complications, and psychosocial burdens. By analysing a broad range of determinants, the study aims to create better-targeted strategies for diagnosis and care. The findings could help reduce the disproportionate mortality risk women face compared to men in similar ACS cases.