[Gender differences in ischemic heart disease]

Despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease, evidence for the optimal strategy and treatment in women is still lacking. Recent European surveys have shown significant gender differences in the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease. Atypical symptoms, older age at presentation and a higher prevalence of risk factors may partly explain the higher risk of complications and the adverse prognosis in women. However, the surveys also reveal that in contemporary practice women are under-investigated and under-treated as compared with men.