GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PRESENTATION AND OUTCOMES IN PAKISTAN: FOCUS ON LAD, LCX, AND LMS

Main Article Content

Dr Khair ul Bashar
Dr Fahad Raja Khan
Dr Shahbaz Ali Shaikh
Dr Sahrish
Dr Sadam Hussain
Arshad Nawaz Khan
Dr Dildar

Keywords

Coronary Artery Disease, hypertension, morbidity and mortality, MACE, LAD, LCX, and LMS

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant variations based on demographic factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity. In Pakistan, CAD is a major health burden with increasing prevalence and risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.


Objective: This study aimed to investigate gender differences in the presentation and outcomes of CAD in the Pakistani population, focusing on the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX), and left main stem (LMS) arteries.


Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to December 2022. The study included 500 participants (300 males, 200 females) diagnosed with CAD and who underwent coronary angiography. Data collection included demographic information, clinical history, risk factors, and angiographic findings. Primary outcomes were the severity and location of coronary artery stenosis, and secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25.0, with multivariate logistic regression used to identify independent predictors of severe stenosis and adverse outcomes.


Results: The mean age of participants was 55.3 years (SD = 10.5). Males exhibited higher rates of hypertension (70% vs. 55%), diabetes (47% vs. 45%), and smoking (43% vs. 10%) compared to females. Severe stenosis in the LAD was more common in males (70%) than females (50%). Females had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (12%) compared to males (8%), though not statistically significant. However, MACE occurrence was significantly higher in males (20%) compared to females (12%) (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified age, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking as significant predictors of severe stenosis and adverse outcomes.


Conclusion: The study highlights significant gender differences in CAD presentation and outcomes in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for gender-specific management strategies. These findings can inform clinical practice and help reduce healthcare disparities in CAD management. Further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and develop effective gender-specific interventions.

Abstract 20 | Pdf Downloads 1

References

1. Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;139(10).
2. Levine GN, Bates ER, Blankenship JC, et al. 2015 ACC/AHA/SCAI Focused Update on Primary PCI for Patients With STEMI: An Update of the 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guideline for PCI and the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of STEMI. Circulation. 2016;133(11):1135-1147.
3. Mehta LS, Beckie TM, DeVon HA, et al. Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2016;133(9):916-947.
4. Jafar TH, Jafary FH, Jessani S, et al. Heart disease epidemic in Pakistan: Women and men at equal risk. Am Heart J. 2005;150(2):221-226.
5. Smith SC Jr, Feldman TE, Hirshfeld JW Jr, et al. ACC/AHA/SCAI 2005 Guideline Update for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention—Summary Article: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA/SCAI Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). Circulation. 2006;113(7):156-175.
6. Yusef S, Hawken S, Ounpuu S, et al. Effect of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with myocardial infarction in 52 countries (the INTERHEART study): case-control study. Lancet. 2004;364(9438):937-952.
7. Mehta LS, Beckie TM, DeVon HA, et al. Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2016;133(9):916-947.
8. Vaccarino V, Badimon L, Corti R, et al. Presentation, management, and outcomes of ischaemic heart disease in women. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2013;10(9):508-518.
9. Mosca L, Barrett-Connor E, Wenger NK. Sex/gender differences in cardiovascular disease prevention: what a difference a decade makes. Circulation. 2011;124(19):2145-2154.
10. Huxley RR, Woodward M. Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in women compared with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Lancet. 2011;378(9799):1297-1305.
11. North BJ, Sinclair DA. The intersection between aging and cardiovascular disease. Circ Res. 2012;110(8):1097-1108.
12. Shaw LJ, Merz CN, Pepine CJ, et al. Insights From the NHLBI-Sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) Study: Part I: Gender Differences in Traditional and Novel Risk Factors, Symptom Evaluation, and Gender-Optimized Diagnostic Strategies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006;47(3 Suppl).
13. Yusuf S, Reddy S, Ôunpuu S, et al. Global burden of cardiovascular diseases: Part I: General considerations, the epidemiologic transition, risk factors, and impact of urbanization. Circulation. 2001;104(22):2746-2753.