Sex-based Differences in Complications Following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Mirvat Alasnag1, Giulia Masiero2, Sinjini Biswas3,4
1Cardiac Center, King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, PO Box 126418, 21372, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. mirvat@jeddacath.com.
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|February 17, 2025
Summary
Women experience worse outcomes from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complications. Delayed diagnosis and treatment contribute to these disparities, necessitating further research into sex-specific factors influencing PCI results.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Sex Differences in Medicine
Background:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease management.
- Understanding sex-based differences in PCI complications and outcomes is crucial for equitable patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common peri-procedural complications associated with PCI.
- To investigate and highlight sex-based differences in the incidence and outcomes of PCI-related complications in published literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining sex differences in PCI complications.
- Analysis of factors potentially contributing to disparities in outcomes.
Main Results:
- Women consistently experience worse procedure-related complications and long-term cardiovascular outcomes following PCI.
- Delayed presentation and referral for invasive procedures in women are likely contributors to poorer outcomes.
- The impact of biological factors like smaller vessel size on periprocedural outcomes remains controversial and requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements in PCI, significant sex-based disparities in outcomes persist.
- Addressing delayed diagnosis and treatment in women is essential to improve PCI results.
- Further research focusing on device and procedure-specific sex differences is warranted to optimize PCI for all patients.
