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[A clinical screening can predict coronary artery disease in women]

J A Volmaro1, R A Martellotto, H Simondi

  • 1Instituto de Cardiología, Hospital Italiano (ICHI), Córdoba, Argentina. jvolmaro@satlink.com

Insights

The Douglas and Ginsburg clinic screening effectively predicts coronary artery disease in women with chest pain, guiding decisions for coronary angiography. This method shows strong correlation between assessed risk and confirmed disease presence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Women's Health
  • Diagnostic Accuracy

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in women, with myocardial infarction being a significant event.
  • Accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease is crucial for women presenting with chest pain.
  • Predictive clinical screening tools can aid in the diagnostic process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Douglas and Ginsburg clinic screening tool in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) in women.
  • To determine the correlation between clinical risk assessment and angiographic findings of CAD.
  • To assess the utility of the screening tool in guiding decisions for coronary angiography.

Main Methods:

  • A study included 189 women diagnosed with angina pectoris.
  • Patients were categorized into low-risk (Group A), moderate-risk (Group B), and high-risk (Group C) based on the Douglas and Ginsburg screening.
  • Clinical determinants and angiographic findings were analyzed and correlated.

Main Results:

  • Group A (low-risk) showed no significant coronary artery disease.
  • Significant coronary artery disease was found in 13 patients (23.6%) in Group B (moderate-risk) and 72 patients (68.5%) in Group C (high-risk).
  • The screening tool demonstrated varying sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values across risk groups, with high values in Group C.

Conclusions:

  • The Douglas and Ginsburg clinic screening is effective in determining the need for coronary angiography in women with chest pain.
  • The screening method shows a strong correlation between the assessed probability of disease and the presence of coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography.
  • This clinical tool aids in risk stratification and decision-making for further cardiac investigations.
Abstract

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