Clinical Features and Angiographic Findings in Premature Coronary Artery Disease; Comparison Between Males and Females

Abstract

Introduction:  Coronary artery disease has emerged as one of the leading causes of premature mortality and morbidity in South Asians. In contrast to males, younger   women are ignored due to prevailed social trends. Better characterization of disease presentation in this group will help us in formulating adequate management policies.

Objectives:  To study clinical features, risk factors and angiographic findings in female patients with premature Ischemic heart disease comparing with men of similar age.

Study design:  It was Interventional:Quasi experimental study.

Setting:  Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore.

Duration:  From 19^th of January 2002 till 27^th of September 2003.

Subjects and methods:  100 female patients and 100 male patients age 50 or below were studied, who were referred for coronary angiography. Patients with previous coronary angiogram or revascularization were excluded. Data was collected over prescribed proforma and results analyzed.

Results:  Prevalence of significant risk factors in women compared with men were hypertension, (50% vs 28%; P<0.01), hyperlipidemia (62% vs 26%; P<0.01) diabetes mellitus (46% vs 8%; P<0.01), sedentary life style (44% vs 24%; P<0.01) and obesity (58% vs 22%; P<0.01). Majority of women (84% vs 54%; P<0.01) presented with angina compared with men. No significant difference was noted in distribution of coronary artery disease between two sexes.

Conclusion:  Women who developed premature coronary artery disease had significant prevalence of majority of conventional risk factors than their male counterparts and more likely to present with angina than myocardial infarction. However distribution and severity of coronary artery disease was similar between the two sexes.

Key words:  Females coronary disease chest pain risk factors coronary angiography