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Differences between men and women on the waiting list for coronary revascularization
A Bengtson1, T Karlsson, J Herlitz
1Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Göteborg University College of Health and Caring Sciences and Department of Heart and Lung, Wallenberglaboratoriet, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
Women awaiting coronary revascularization report more symptoms and sleep disturbances than men. These gender differences in well-being and treatment exist but are not fully consistent.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gender Studies
- Patient Well-being
Background:
- Coronary revascularization is a critical intervention for cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding gender-specific differences in patient experience is vital for equitable care.
- Patients awaiting procedures experience unique challenges impacting their well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-related disparities in waiting times, treatment, and well-being among patients awaiting coronary revascularization.
- To identify specific symptoms and sleep disturbances experienced by men and women in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 831 patients on the waiting list for coronary angiography, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Data collection focused on demographics, medical history, medication, cardiovascular symptoms, and sleep quality.
- Statistical analysis compared outcomes between male and female participants.
Main Results:
- Women (21%) reported higher frequencies of chest pain at rest/night, dyspnoea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and sweating compared to men.
- Women experienced significantly more sleep disturbances, including insomnia and difficulty sleeping/waking.
- Men reported increased restlessness, irritability, and inability to act.
- While men had higher rates of prior myocardial infarction, women were more frequently treated with diuretics and sedatives.
Conclusions:
- Significant gender differences exist in symptom reporting and sleep quality among patients awaiting coronary revascularization.
- Women experience a higher burden of cardiovascular symptoms and sleep disorders.
- These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive approaches in managing patients on revascularization waiting lists.
Abstract:
This study aims to examine the situation for patients on the waiting list for possible coronary revascularization in terms of waiting time, treatment and various aspects of well-being in relation to gender. Patients on the waiting list for coronary angiography, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting in September 1990 were approached with a questionnaire dealing with various aspects as described above. Of the 831 patients who participated in the evaluation, 174 (21%) were women. Although age was similar for men and women, men had a higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction and a lower prevalence of previous hypertension. In terms of medication, women were more frequently treated with diuretics and sedatives than men. Women reported a higher frequency than men with regard to the following symptoms: chest pain at rest and at night, dyspnoea when walking, tachycardia, tiredness, headache, dizziness and sweating. Women also suffered more frequently from difficulty going to sleep, difficulty waking up, repeated awakening and insomnia. Men, on the other hand, suffered more frequently from restlessness, inability to act and irritability. Among patients on the waiting list for possible coronary revascularization, women differed from men by being more frequently treated with diuretics, reporting a higher frequency of various cardiovascular symptoms including chest pain and dyspnoea and, furthermore, reporting more sleeping disorders. Gender differences were found but they were not consistent.