Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Gender difference in coronary events in relation to risk factors in Japanese hypercholesterolemic patients treated

Jun Sasaki1, Toru Kita, Hiroshi Mabuchi

  • 1International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School of Clinical Trial Management, Fukuoka, Japan.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|June 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Women experience fewer coronary events than men. While low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) poses similar risks for both genders, diabetes mellitus is a greater risk factor for women, impacting coronary heart disease outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Investigated gender disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and events.
  • Utilized data from the 6-year Japan Lipid Intervention Trial, an observational study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze gender-specific risk factors for coronary events.
  • To compare the incidence and risk factors of coronary events between men and women.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 12,575 men and 27,013 women for coronary events (acute myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death).
  • Assessed the impact of simvastatin on lipid levels (LDL-C, HDL-C).
  • Evaluated the association of LDL-C, HDL-C, aging, and diabetes mellitus (DM) with coronary event risk.

Main Results:

  • Coronary event incidence was lower in women (0.64/1000 patient-years) than men (1.57/1000 patient-years).
  • LDL-C elevation increased coronary event risk similarly in both genders (18% in men, 21% in women per 10 mg/dl).
  • HDL-C elevation decreased risk in men (39%) and women (33%) per 10 mg/dl.
  • DM was a stronger risk factor for women (RR 3.07) than men (RR 1.58).
  • Risk increased with age in women but not men.

Conclusions:

  • Women have a lower incidence of coronary events.
  • Serum LDL-C is a significant risk factor for coronary events in both genders.
  • Diabetes mellitus represents a more critical risk factor for women, potentially offsetting their lower baseline risk.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...