Recognizing Coronary Artery Disease in Women

Authors

• Krista Ohmie, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cardiology

Advisor

Dr. Tom Colletti

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this review is to identify sex-specific factors in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women as it continues to be the number one cause of their mortality. A search of the literature was conducted using PubMed as well as resources from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association with multiple articles identified for use. The risk of cardiovascular disease in women is affected by traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, but is compounded by length of estrogen exposure, pregnancy, and higher rates of systemic inflammation. Systemic barriers such as gender bias, racial disparities, lack of provider and patient education, need drastic attention to reduce rates of mortality. Appropriate interventions such as the initiation of medications for traditional risk factor modification and interventions for obstructive ischemic disease, whether percutaneous or coronary artery bypass grafting, are also affected due to gender bias as women wait longer. Sex-specific screening tests for coronary and cardiovascular disease play an important role in lowering future mortality rates in women. More research including higher enrollment numbers of women than previously has the power to move the needle impactfully. There are many areas that have been identified for improvement and will contribute to reduction in mortality of women from cardiovascular disease. Investment in sex-specific research into the cardiovascular health of women, along with addressing gender disparities in care, will be central to reducing mortality not only in the United States, but globally.

Recommended Citation

Ohmie K. Recognizing Coronary Artery Disease in Women. University of Lynchburg Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(2).