[Sex-related differences in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Epidemiology
• Sex-based health differences

Context:

• The study analyzes data from the Peruvian Registry of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (PERSTEMI).
• It is a prospective, observational, multicenter study including adult patients hospitalized with STEMI.
• The research specifically compares epidemiological and clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital adverse events between male and female STEMI patients in Peru.

Purpose:

• To determine the epidemiological characteristics of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Peru.
• To analyze the location of infarction, reperfusion strategies (type and timing), and in-hospital adverse events in STEMI patients, stratified by sex.
• To identify sex-specific differences in STEMI presentation, management, and outcomes.

Summary:

• A total of 396 patients were studied, with females representing 20.9% and predominantly being octogenarians.
• Hypertension was more common in women, who also presented with more atypical symptoms like dyspnea and syncope, and a higher incidence of inferior wall myocardial infarction.
• While reperfusion therapy and times were similar, women experienced significantly higher in-hospital mortality, mechanical complications, and rates of heart failure and cardiogenic shock.

Impact:

• STEMI in females occurs at an older age and is associated with worse in-hospital outcomes, including increased mortality and mechanical complications.
• The findings underscore the need for sex-specific considerations in the diagnosis and management of STEMI.
• This research contributes to a better understanding of sex-based disparities in cardiovascular disease, particularly in the Peruvian population.