Influence of age on gender differences in the management of acute inferior or posterior myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of gender on the in-hospital management of patients with acute inferior or posterior myocardial infarction (MI).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Gender differences in management and prognosis were assessed by stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis.


METHODS
University, large-volume, tertiary hospital.


METHODS
We studied 1,178 consecutive patients admitted to our coronary care unit with an acute inferior or posterior MI, and evaluated the influence of gender on clinical management and outcome.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Women were older (73 years vs 66 years), had a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, presented later (8 h vs 6 h after symptom onset), and had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (26% vs 9%) [all p values < 0.01]. Women underwent reperfusion therapy (45% vs 61%, p < 0.01), noninvasive studies (30% vs 62%, p < 0.001), and coronary angiography (34% vs 48%, p < 0.01) less often than men. Multivariable analysis revealed that female gender was an independent predictor of a lower use of noninvasive studies (odds ratio [OR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24 to 0.63; p < 0.005) and coronary angiography (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.93; p = 0.02). A significant interaction between age and gender was found (p = 0.002); therefore, women > or = 75 years old had a much lower probability of undergoing noninvasive tests and coronary angiography than men of the same age.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite their worse prognosis, women undergo noninvasive studies and coronary angiography less frequently than men after an acute inferior or posterior MI. The gender gap increases in patients > or = 75 years old.
Martínez-Sellés
Manuel
M
Department of Cardiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo, 46. 28007, Madrid, Spain.
López-Palop
Ramón
R
Pérez-David
Esther
E
Bueno
Héctor
H
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors