Women Experience Poor Health Outcome Pre & Post PCI compared to Men

The researchers included 6851 women and 12016 men undergoing nonprimary percutaneous coronary intervention in this study and compared the Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores at baseline, 6 weeks, and 9 months.

Key findings of the study:

♦ Upon analysis, the researchers found that the proportions of angina-free patients increased from

• 26.2% and 29.8% at baseline to
• 71.6% and 78.7% at 6 weeks
• 78.1% and 83.0% at 9 months in women and men.

♦ After adjusting for clinical and procedural characteristics as well as baseline angina, they found that the freedom from angina in women was 34% less likely at 6 weeks (odds ratio, 0.66) and 32% less likely at 9 months (odds ratio, 0.68) compared with men.

The authors concluded, "Although health status increased significantly after percutaneous coronary intervention in both women and men, women had poorer health status outcomes than men before and after percutaneous coronary intervention. Additional investigation into therapies that address the causes of poorer health status in women with coronary artery disease is needed."

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Sonya N. Burgess wrote, "(This study) serves as a reminder of how much more needs to be done to close the gender gap for women with cardiovascular disease "and is a call to action to keep working toward better evidence-based solutions and to more consistent and equitable management strategies."

For further information:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.121.011308