The outcome for patients with unstable angina and non-Q wave myocardial infarction is related to severity of underlying CAD, and not to gender. The extent of CAD was similar in women and men, and CABG and angioplasty were equally effective in both groups. Similar inhospital and long-term survival rates were shown for men and women. The more recent results of the BARI trial and others 18 are believed to reflect improvements in technology and procedures. Conclusions Prevention of CAD is a major health issue for women.
Most women believe breast cancer is the most likely threat to their life.
In fact, a postmenopausal woman is 10 times more likely to die of CAD than of breast cancer. 20 Thanks to huge education and advocacy efforts, awareness of CAD as a major health issue is increasing. Risk factor modification is the cornerstone of prevention. Early symptom recognition by patients and complete evaluation by healthcare providers are critical to provide women with proven, beneficial therapies. Many questions remain, however, about the development and treatment of coronary artery disease in women.