[Differences and similarities in ischemic heart disease in men and women]

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) with its most developed manifestation in the form of myocardial infarction (MI) shows certain differences in the clinical picture between men and women. Pathogenetic differences in the development of IHD between both sexes, protective effects of estrogens, genetic factors and physiology of the sex cycle in women were analyzed. Clinical significance of the selected coronary risk factors including the role of oral contraceptive agents, nicotine, arterial hypertension and professional work were discussed. We made an attempt at specifying reasons for the observed differences and determinants of an increase in morbidity due to IHD in women. The validity of present recommendations for women with the risk for the development of IHD and MI was evaluated.