Effect of Sex on Revascularization Strategy

Cardiovascular disease and, in particular, ischemic heart disease are major causes of morbidity and mortality in women. Diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in women is made more difficult by the occurrence of atypical symptoms, a perception that the risk is low, the limited accuracy of non-invasive tests, and underuse of coronary angiography. Women with ischemic heart disease, with either stable or unstable angina or non-Q wave or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, benefit as much as men from percutaneous or surgical revascularization. However, hemorrhagic complications occur more often in women and periprocedural mortality is slightly higher with both techniques, though the sex difference has tended to decrease in recent years. Moreover, drug-eluting stents, arterial revascularization, and off-pump procedures are equally beneficial to men and women. Nevertheless, strict control of risk factors is essential following any revascularization procedure. Selecting which of the 2 revascularization procedures is more appropriate depends on the patient's age and comorbid conditions, the number, location and type of coronary lesions, ventricular function, and the patient's preferences, among other factors. Nowadays, a significant number of patients can be revascularized using either technique. Therefore, open discussion of each case and close collaboration between interventional cardiologists and surgeons are essential so that joint decisions about the most appropriate treatment can be made in a consistent manner.