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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Coronary invasive procedures in women]
1Dokuz Eylül Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Kardiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Izmir. sema.guneri@deu.edu.tr
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in women, yet coronary artery disease (CAD) is often overlooked in female health. Research highlights gender disparities in CAD diagnosis and treatment, necessitating greater awareness and research focus.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Women's Health
- Medical Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of death for women globally.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently perceived as a male condition, leading to underemphasis in women's health.
- Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical trials for CAD, limiting understanding of gender-specific differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women's health.
- To address the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CAD in female patients.
- To explore gender-related differences in the diagnosis and management of CAD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing registries and clinical trial data focusing on gender disparities in CAD.
- Analysis of factors contributing to conservative management strategies in women.
- Examination of reasons for historical exclusion of female patients from angiographic trials.
Main Results:
- Female patients receive fewer invasive coronary procedures compared to men.
- Older age, advanced atherosclerosis, and smaller coronary arteries contribute to conservative management in women.
- Women experience higher complication rates due to these factors.
- Increased inclusion of female patients in recent trials and post-hoc analyses are improving understanding of gender differences.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to increase awareness of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women.
- Addressing gender-related disparities in CAD diagnosis and management is essential for improving outcomes.
- Further research and clinical trial inclusivity are vital to understand and treat CAD effectively in women.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common etiology in women deaths worldwide. Despite this fact, coronary artery disease is usually known as a disease of men, and its importance in women health is not emphasized so much. In many registries, it has been shown that, female patients are opposed to less coronary invasive procedures than men. The reasons of this conservative strategy in women are, the older age, the more advanced coronary atherosclerosis at the time of diagnosis and smaller coronary arteries. Because of these factors, female patients are also prone to more complication rates than men. Until a few years ago, there had been little knowledge about gender related differences in diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease. In many of the large angiographic trials, most of the female patients were excluded from the studies, because of age and small coronary vessels. But now, with growing awareness of gender related differences in management of coronary artery disease, more female patients are included in trials, and more post-hoc analysis about gender factor are made.
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