Heart health groups update myocardial infarction definitions

Four major global heart health organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, have agreed to update the definitions of myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). The new classification system was announced during the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in Germany.

The updated framework replaces the previous numerical categorization with a system that designates heart attacks as primary, secondary, or procedure-related. This change aims to reduce inconsistencies in diagnosis and treatment that occurred when using the old numerical system.

Primary myocardial infarction, which includes traditional heart attacks caused by arterial blockages, has been expanded to include less common triggers. This update is expected to improve care for women, who often experience more subtle symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath, and are frequently misdiagnosed compared to men.