There is much data to suggest that HRT does help prevent CAD in women, there is however, not definitive scientific data to prove that HRT should be routine. The treatment of CAD in women has been examined in detail and some studies have shown that women may not do as well as men when treated with bypass surgery or angioplasty. Latter studies have shown that this may not be true. The factors that impact on the outcome of bypass surgery and angioplasty may place women at a disadvantage. Age is a major risk factor for complications of these procedures and women tend to be older then men when undergoing surgery or angioplasty.
Women tend to have smaller arteries then men.
One aspect of the care of women with CAD that is different than the care of men is that the presenting symptoms are more frequently atypical in nature. This makes diagnosis more difficult and often delays the time from presentation to diagnosis. Mitral Valve Prolapse Mitral valve prolapse is common in women and men. This disorder of the mitral valve may be associated with symptoms of chest pains, palpitations, fatigue and other symptoms. Symptoms are often treated with an exercise program and sometimes drugs called beta-blockers are used.