Iranian women with coronary artery disease: not behind of the men

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a significant health burden globally.
• Understanding gender-specific risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
• Previous research indicates potential differences in CAD risk factors between men and women, but data from Iranian populations is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of various risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iranian men and women.
• To identify specific risk factors that are more prevalent in one gender compared to the other within the Iranian population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 498 patients (255 males, 243 females) with documented coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Data collection included demographic information, anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist circumference), blood pressure, blood lipids, and fasting blood glucose.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare risk factor prevalence between genders.

Main Results:

• The mean age of women and men with CAD was comparable (58.0±10.4 years vs. 56.4±12.8 years).
• Obesity (43.5% vs. 18.7%) and central obesity (88.5% vs. 42%) were significantly more prevalent in women than men (p<0.0001).
• Except for diabetes, all other measured cardiovascular risk factors demonstrated a higher prevalence in women compared to men.

Conclusions:

• Obesity and central obesity are significantly more prevalent risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iranian women compared to men.
• Beyond diabetes, women with CAD exhibit a higher burden of other cardiovascular risk factors, underscoring the need for gender-tailored preventative approaches.