[Ischemic heart disease in women]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Medical Awareness

Context:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in women globally.
• Physician and patient awareness regarding CVD prevalence and prognosis in women is inadequate.
• Women often present with microvascular dysfunction rather than obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose:

• To enhance physician awareness concerning the prevalence, prognosis, diagnostic methods, and treatment alternatives for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women.
• To address the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and the resulting data limitations.
• To advocate for the preferred use of the term "ischemic heart disease (IHD)" over "coronary artery disease (CAD)" in the context of female patients.

Summary:

• Women experience a higher symptom burden, functional decline, healthcare costs, and adverse clinical outcomes from IHD compared to men, despite lower prevalence of obstructive CAD.
• The common finding of normal coronary arteries in women with persistent symptoms can lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
• Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for IHD in women are often suboptimal due to insufficient data and awareness.

Impact:

• Improved understanding of IHD in women can lead to more accurate diagnoses and timely, effective treatments.
• Increased physician awareness may reduce misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for female patients.
• Addressing the specific pathophysiology and clinical presentation of IHD in women is crucial for advancing cardiovascular care for this demographic.