[Gender differences in cardiac symptoms]

Abstract

There is an ongoing discussion as to whether there are gender differences in symptom presentation in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Although the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the underlying mechanisms involved in ACS differ significantly between the genders during various stages of life, researchers seem to persist in comparing women against the standard for male patients. This clouds the discussion, and may be potentially harmful to women. The female pattern of CAD, with fewer obstructive coronary lesions and relatively more vascular dysfunction than in men, translates into a different combination of symptoms and relatively more type II ACS. Greater knowledge of gender-sensitive cardiology in daily practice would improve recognition and reduce poorer ACS outcomes in women. In 2015 the www.eugenmed.eu programme will present a gender-sensitive 'Roadmap' for cardiology practitioners within the EU.