[Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction: sex differences in risk profile, prognosis and referral by family physician].
OBJECTIVE
To detect possible sex differences in risk factors, referrals and prognosis after angina pectoris (AP) and myocardial infarction (MI).


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
From 4 general practices in/around Nijmegen, the Netherlands, patients were selected who in 1985-1989 had a first episode of AP or a first MI. Sex differences regarding risk factors, referrals and prognosis were studied by means of patients' files.


RESULTS
There were 71 men and 55 women with AP and 97 men and 58 women with MI. Mean age in AP was 69.6 year in women and 63.6 year in men, mean ages in MI were 74.9 and 64.4 year, respectively. Women with MI more frequently suffered from hypertension, AP or CVA/transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Men with MI were referred more often to a specialist than women, but not sooner. Development of cardiovascular co-morbidity after AP and after recovery from a MI were the same for both sexes. Of all patients with a MI 36% suffered a sudden unexpected death, mostly women.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with a first episode of AP and a MI were 6-10 years older than men. Women with a MI suffered more frequently from hypertension, AP and CVA/TIA. The prognosis after angina pectoris showed no sex differences. The prognosis after MI was worse in women than in men.
Lagro-Janssen
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Vakgroep Huisartsgeneeskunde, Sociale Geneeskunde en Verpleeghuisgeneeskunde, Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen.
van Heugten
P W
PW
Vogels
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EA
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors