Acute Coronary Syndromes in Women: Recent Treatment Trends and Outcomes

Abstract

In the USA and internationally, women experience farranging differences with respect to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and myocardial infarction (MI). Women suffer from more comorbidities than men, such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and poor mental health. They some-times exhibit atypical MI presentation symptoms and are overall less likely to present with chest pain. Women are more likely than men to encounter delays between the onset of symptoms and arrival at the hospital or to guideline treatment. The use of various surgical and pharmacological treatments, including revascularization approaches, also differs. Women, on average, have worse outcomes than men following MI, with more complications, higher mortality rates, and poorer recovery. Internationally, outcomes are similar despite various differences in health care and culture in non-US countries. In this review, we detail differences regarding ACS and MI in women, describing their complex correlations and discussing their possible causes. Educational approaches that are tailored to women might help to reduce the incidence of ACS and MI, as well as outcomes following hospitalization. Although outcomes following acute MI have been improving over the years, women may require special consideration in order to see continued improvement.

Predictors and etiologies of 30‐day readmissions in patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome

“…Previous studies have shown that females are more likely to present with worse cardiovascular risk factor profile and more prevalent comorbidities, and are more likely to have worse outcomes with higher likelihood for readmission post‐acute myocardial infarction (including NSTEMI and STEMI . Our study reiterates that female gender is related to a higher likelihood of readmission after NSTE‐ACS.…”

Women and Cardiovascular Disease: What Can Health Care Providers Do to Reduce the Risks?

“…On average, women typically present an hour later than men when experiencing their first heart attack [14]. In women, the typical symptoms of chest pressure or pain may not be present in an acute cardiovascular event.…”

Management of acute coronary syndromes: special considerations in women

“…Women with coronary artery disease (CAD) have worse outcomes when no adjustments are made for other characteristics and co-morbidities 2. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a subset of CAD, characterised by an abrupt onset of signs and symptoms of myocardial ischaemia.…”