Overview

• An analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology used health records from more than nine million adults in the United States and South Korea followed for up to two decades.
• Researchers report that nearly all heart attacks and strokes were preceded by four modifiable exposures: high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar and smoking.
• High blood pressure was most prevalent, with more than 93% of people who later had a heart attack, stroke or heart failure previously exhibiting hypertension in both countries.
• The association persisted even in lower‑risk groups, as more than 95% of events among women under 60 were linked to at least one of the four risks.
• Germany records about 300,000 heart attacks annually with higher mortality among women than men, and guidance notes pain can radiate to the jaw or present as tooth pain in some women, with many deaths occurring at home without medical help being called.