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Gender differences in symptom presentation associated with coronary heart disease
K A Milner1, M Funk, S Richards
1The Yale University School of Nursing, The Yale-New Haven Hospital Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Connecticut, USA. marjorie.funk@yale.com
The American Journal of Cardiology
|September 1, 1999
Summary
Gender differences in coronary heart disease (CHD) symptoms are minimal, with chest pain being common in both men and women. However, women more frequently reported nausea, indigestion, and dyspnea, especially without chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Symptom presentation in CHD can vary significantly between genders.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare gender-specific symptom presentations in patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To identify potential disparities in how men and women experience and report symptoms leading to CHD diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 550 patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).
- Final sample included 217 patients (41% women) diagnosed with acute coronary ischemia or myocardial infarction.
- Data collected by nurse data collectors, with statistical analysis of symptom frequencies and odds ratios.
Main Results:
- Chest pain was the most common symptom in both women (70%) and men (71%).
- Women were more likely to report midback pain, nausea/vomiting, dyspnea, palpitations, and indigestion, even after adjusting for age and diabetes.
- Dyspnea was the most frequent non-chest pain symptom; women without chest pain were more likely to report nausea/vomiting.
Conclusions:
- While some gender differences in non-chest pain symptoms exist, overall symptom presentation for CHD shows more similarities than differences between men and women.
- Early recognition of diverse symptoms, including those more common in women, is vital for effective CHD management.
- Further research can refine understanding of gender-specific nuances in CHD symptomology.