Antithrombotic therapy in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary-related death and infarction: focus on gender differences

Much of our understanding of the role of antithrombotic therapy for postmyocardial infarction patients comes from studies which often included few or no women. Despite this shortcoming there are data available which identify gender differences in risk factors, presentation, natural history and treatment results for myocardial infarction. The use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in the prevention and management of myocardial infarction has evolved over 30 years of investigation. The major randomized, controlled and blinded studies of antithrombotics and myocardial infarction are reviewed, with special emphasis on the female population.