Advertisement
The short answer from a preventive cardiologist
A: Yes, this type of heart attack is called a myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, or MINOCA. It accounts for 5 to 6% of heart attacks.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Compared with other types of heart attacks, patients are usually younger and more likely to be female.
Causes of MINOCA include:
MINOCA is diagnosed based on abnormalities in blood enzymes that show damage to the heart’s muscle. A catheterization will show no evidence of obstruction (blockage) and confirm that no artery is blocked 50% or more. Other imaging tests will identify a limited (localized) area of heart muscle injury.
Cardiac MRI or direct imaging of the interior of your coronary artery may be helpful if the diagnosis is unclear.
You should be evaluated for an increased tendency to form blood clots. It’s important to rule out other causes that may masquerade as a heart attack.
Because MINOCA has a variety of causes, uncovering the correct one is necessary for your doctor to choose the appropriate treatment. These may include calcium channel blockers for spasm or intensive use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) to try to prevent blood clot formation.
The likely course of your disease depends on its underlying cause and treatment strategy.
Ongoing studies are still needed to better understanding the likelihood of recovery from MINOCA. But research suggests that those with MINOCA who receive standard heart attack therapy (aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins) have a better long-term outcome than those who don’t.
— Cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Factors like temperature, energy levels and sleep quality play a role in determining whether working out in the morning or evening is best for you
Obesity, age and preexisting heart conditions can all raise your risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy
Xylitol in processed food can increase risk of heart attack and stroke — but there’s no danger in xylitol in oral care products
If your provider has ruled out a serious cause, you can treat chest pain at home with antacids, inhalers or anti-inflammatory medications
Walking is a great goal, but how many steps are best for you depends on factors like your fitness level and age
Research shows a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and heart issues
Eating more natural, whole foods can lower your risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases
First things first — slowly sit or lie down
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims