Courtney Bennett, 27, from Manchester, England, was in her early 20s when she experienced a heart attack in July 2024. Despite having normal cholesterol levels and being a non-smoker, she joined a growing number of young women experiencing this potentially deadly complication.
While the exact causes remain unclear, one leading theory among experts points to Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). SCAD occurs when a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery, restricting blood flow to the heart. It is a common cause of heart attacks in women, particularly those under 50, and is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Bennett's experience highlights the confusing and frightening reality for many young women facing heart health issues. The lack of clear risk factors like high cholesterol or smoking in their cases makes the situation particularly baffling for both patients and medical professionals. Further research is ongoing to pinpoint the contributing factors and develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies for this demographic.