Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
Confusion in revascularization: are women different and why?
Mercedes K C Dullum1, Mercedes K D Dullum
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida FL 33331, USA. dullumm@ccf.org
Insights
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death for women. Recent advances in coronary bypass graft surgery show improved survival rates and durable results for women undergoing revascularization.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Women's Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in women globally.
- Historically, women experienced higher morbidity and mortality from revascularization due to comorbidities.
- Recent trends showed rising cardiovascular deaths in US women, contrasting with declining male rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sex differences in cardiovascular disease epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To evaluate the impact of advancements in revascularization techniques on outcomes in women.
- To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary bypass graft surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on cardiovascular disease in women.
- Analysis of studies reporting sex differences in coronary artery disease management.
- Evaluation of outcomes from percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary bypass graft surgery.
Main Results:
- Improvements in surgical techniques and percutaneous coronary intervention have reduced morbidity and mortality in women.
- Coronary bypass graft surgery demonstrates improved survival rates and durable results.
- Ongoing questions exist regarding percutaneous coronary intervention strategies, especially with drug-eluting stents.
Conclusions:
- Coronary bypass graft surgery offers a clear survival advantage and lasting results for patients.
- Continued research is needed to optimize percutaneous coronary intervention strategies for women.
- Addressing sex-specific factors in cardiovascular disease is crucial for improving women's health outcomes.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in most developed countries of the world. Even though cardiovascular deaths of men in the United States have been declining, until recently the number of cardiovascular deaths in US women was on the rise, with 1 in 3 women dying from heart disease. Over the last 30 years numerous studies have reported sex differences in the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease. A higher morbidity and mortality were also noted in women versus men undergoing revascularization during this early period. This has mainly been attributed to the fact that women have more comorbid conditions by the time that they are referred for revascularization. These conditions include increased age, hypertension, diabetes (metabolic syndrome), heart failure, renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, and worse lipid profile. With improvements of both surgical techniques and percutaneous coronary intervention, morbidity and mortality rates have decreased in women undergoing revascularization. However, there are now questions surrounding percutaneous coronary intervention strategies, particularly with drug eluting stents. More recent advances in coronary bypass graft surgery techniques, both off- and on-pump, and analysis of prospective and retrospective data have shown a clearly improved survival rate in patients undergoing coronary bypass graft surgery and the persistence of a durable result.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:26Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care