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Gender bias in lipid assessment and treatment following percutaneous coronary intervention
Jennifer A Corbelli1, John C Corbelli, Michael F Bullano
1Buffalo Cardiology and Pulmonary Associates, 6460 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14231-9060, USA. jcorbelli@adelphia.net
Insights
This study found no gender bias in lipid assessment or medication use after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, women showed less aggressive treatment for lipid fractions compared to men.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Gender Health
Background:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for coronary artery disease.
- Lipid management is crucial post-PCI to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events.
- Potential gender disparities in healthcare warrant investigation, particularly in cardiovascular treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential gender bias in lipid assessment and treatment following PCI.
- To compare lipid profiles and treatment strategies between men and women post-PCI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 356 patients (221 men, 135 women) who underwent PCI.
- Review of medical records for lipid measurements (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) pre- and post-PCI.
- Assessment of lipid-lowering medication use and achievement of target LDL-C levels (< 100 mg/dL).
Main Results:
- Lipid levels were generally higher in women pre- and post-PCI, except for triglycerides.
- HDL-C and triglycerides improved more in men, while LDL-C improved more in women post-PCI.
- No significant gender differences were observed in lipid measurement rates, medication prescription, or achieving target LDL-C.
Conclusions:
- No gender bias was found in lipid assessment, pharmacotherapy, or achieving target LDL-C post-PCI.
- Despite similar treatment rates, women's lipid fractions were treated less aggressively than men's in absolute terms.
- Further research may be needed to understand the nuances of gender-specific lipid management post-PCI.
Objective:
To identify a possible gender bias in lipid assessment and treatment of patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods:
Following PCI, patients were identified from a cardiology practice database, with retrospective follow-up achieved through medical record review in a private cardiology practice and in primary care physician practices. Patients were assessed for lipid measurement of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides, and for changes in these measures.
Results:
A total of 356 patients were identified for analysis: 221 men (62%) and 135 women (38%). Mean post-PCI follow-up was 2.2 +/- 1.6 years. Among females, 80% had lipids measured, as compared with 87% of males (P = 0.07). At pre- and post-PCI, all fractions were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in women, except pre-PCI triglycerides, which were significantly lower in women. From pre- to post-PCI, HDL-C and triglycerides improved significantly more in males, while LDL-C improved significantly more in females. Target LDL-C levels (< 100 mg/dL) were achieved in 46.4% of the overall group. There were no significant gender-related differences in the number of patients treated with dyslipidemic medications or in patients achieving an LDL-C of < 100 mg/dL (P = 0.081).
Conclusion:
Following PCI, a gender bias did not exist for lipid assessment, number of patients treated with pharmacotherapy, or achievement of target LDL-C (< 100 mg/dL). However, in terms of absolute levels achieved, women were treated less aggressively than men for all lipid fractions.
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