Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction and its Effect on Women's Health (Female Versus Male)

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) has traditionally been considered a disease affecting mostly men, yet women are increasingly at risk due to the obesity and diabetes. This study used archival data on hospital discharges from the cardiac care unit (CCU) to examine the AMI risk factors and its management among female patient's presentations at emergency rooms (ER) ended at CCU with a concurrent diagnosis of AMI and to compare the results with men of the same diagnosis. The study was conducted as a prospective cohort survey among patients admitted to CCU. All patients in that ward admitted with documented diagnosis of AMI and positive troponin results were obtained from the study. Some characteristics of the patients such as age, gender, education, risk factors, outcome, cardiac enzymes recorded by one of the researchers at the first day of the admission. Then those patients were followed up until discharge, either referring to another facility or death. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows version 13.0. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 182 patients 140 men (68.6%) and 42 women (20.6%)) admitted with AMI were enrolled in the study. Women on average had 2 years age difference and had a greater prevalence of hypertension. Men had more previous myocardial revascularization procedures and more often were smokers. There were no difference in previous admission, death, or need for CAG (Coronary angiography). The awareness needs to be directed towards eliminating the disparities within the female population and heart disease. In this study any important and significant differences were not shown between male and female AMI management.