A recent study brought attention to a significant gender disparity in mortality rates following heart attacks. The research findings, which have gained coverage by The Independent, reveal that women face a heightened risk of death compared to men. These findings emphasize the urgent need to raise awareness about the unique risks women encounter when it comes to heart disease.
Study Highlights:
The study not only uncovered the increased mortality risk for women but also highlighted delays in treatment for younger women, aged 55 and below, upon their arrival at the hospital. Compared to men, these women had to wait approximately 15 minutes longer for medical intervention, potentially worsening the severity of their condition. Additionally, the study showed that women with fully obstructed coronary arteries experienced worse prognoses during their hospital stays compared to men.
Recommendations for Improved Outcomes:
The lead author of the study, Dr. Mariana Martinho, stressed the vulnerability of women of all ages who suffer from heart attacks. To enhance outcomes, she recommends regular monitoring, strict control of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes, as well as referral to cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Exploring Disparities between Men and Women:
The study also shed light on other disparities between men and women in the aftermath of an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Specifically, researchers examined outcome differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study included 884 participants, with women accounting for 27% of the cohort and an average age of 62 years.
Results and Statistics:
Analysis of the data showed that women had higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and prior strokes compared to men. Premenopausal women also experienced longer wait times for treatment upon hospital arrival when compared to men. After considering various factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, and family history of coronary artery disease, adverse outcomes were compared between genders.
Within 30 days, the study revealed that 11.8% of women had died compared to 4.6% of men, and at the five-year mark, 32.1% of women had died compared to 16.9% of men. Moreover, women experienced a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events over the course of five years compared to men.
Dr. Martinho concluded that women faced a two to three times higher likelihood of adverse outcomes in the short and long term, even after adjusting for other conditions and receiving the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within the same timeframe as men. These findings emphasize the urgent need for heightened awareness regarding the risks of heart disease in women.
