The role of imaging in women with ischemic heart disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Women's Health

Background:

• Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the primary cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women in Western countries.
• Despite advances in medical technology and sex-specific research, IHD remains a significant health concern for women.
• Cardiovascular imaging has evolved significantly over the past four decades, enhancing the assessment and management of coronary atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on the utility of contemporary diagnostic imaging techniques in evaluating women with suspected IHD.
• To highlight the expanded role of novel imaging tools in detecting various forms of coronary artery disease in women.
• To emphasize the impact of improved diagnostic accuracy on risk stratification and therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary and novel diagnostic imaging techniques for evaluating coronary atherosclerosis.
• Focus on imaging modalities capable of detecting flow-limiting epicardial stenosis, nonobstructive atherosclerosis, and microvascular dysfunction.
• Analysis of evidence regarding the application of these techniques in symptomatic women.

Main Results:

• Contemporary cardiovascular imaging improves the evaluation of the full spectrum of coronary atherosclerosis in women.
• Advanced imaging techniques enable the detection of nonobstructive disease and microvascular dysfunction, contributing to earlier and more accurate IHD diagnosis.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities lead to enhanced risk assessment and timely initiation of therapies for women with IHD.

Conclusions:

• Contemporary diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in the early and accurate evaluation of women with suspected IHD.
• Novel imaging tools offer expanded capabilities for assessing complex coronary artery disease manifestations in women.
• Enhanced diagnostic accuracy facilitated by advanced imaging contributes to better patient outcomes through improved risk assessment and timely treatment.