Dr. Hardas explains a lesser-known but serious heart condition called MINOCA, where a heart attack can occur even without blocked arteries. We often think that heart attacks happen only when an artery is blocked. But that’s not always true. Recently in Pune, a 49-year-old IT professional had a heart attack without any blockage in his heart arteries. This condition is called MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), and it’s more common than people think.
What Happened in the Pune Case?
Vikram (name changed), who works in the IT industry and lives in Baner, felt chest heaviness and breathlessness. He thought it was acidity and went to see a doctor. His ECG was abnormal, but his angiography showed no blockages. Doctors diagnosed him with MINOCA, which is a heart attack without any blocked arteries.
What Is MINOCA?
MINOCA is a hidden threat. About 6% to 8% of all heart attacks are MINOCA. It is more common in women and can happen even when all major heart arteries are open. The heart still gets damaged, and symptoms can be the same as a regular heart attack.
Here are some causes of MINOCA:
- Small clots that dissolve before tests are done
- Spasm in the heart arteries due to stress
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
- Emotional shock (also called “broken heart syndrome”)
- Tiny vessels in the heart not working properly
How Is MINOCA Diagnosed?
MINOCA can be tricky to find. Regular tests may not catch it. That’s why doctors use advanced tools like:
- FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve)
- CFR (Coronary Flow Reserve)
- IMR (Index of Microcirculatory Resistance)
These tests check the flow of blood in the heart’s small vessels.
Can MINOCA Be Treated?
Yes. Even though there is no blockage, the treatment is similar to other heart attacks. Medicines like:
- Blood thinners
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Doctors also suggest lifestyle changes:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Reduce stress
Why This Matters – A Message from Dr. Hardas Heart Care
At Dr. Hardas Heart Care, we want everyone to know that heart problems don’t always show up in the usual way. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue — don’t ignore it. Even if your tests look normal, something deeper might be going on.
With the help of modern technology and expert doctors, we can catch and treat conditions like MINOCA in time.
Take Care of Your Heart – Stay Informed, Stay Healthy
Read More : No blockage still a heart attack: Pune techie’s case highlights a hidden threat, say doctors
