Diagnostic and Management Dilemmas in Women Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize gender- and sex-specific differences in the presentation, diagnosis, management, and pathophysiology of women presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Recent findings: Sex differences exist in many aspects of ACS that impact the identification, treatment, and outcomes in women. There are delays in the initiation of care, under recognized diagnostic differences based on sex, and inconsistencies in the management of ACS in women compared with men, that ultimately impact outcomes. Additionally, women with ACS are more likely than men to present with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), which appears to be due to diverse underlying pathophysiology. Women with ACS face diagnostic and treatment dilemmas from time of symptom onset to hospital discharge. Under-recognition, under-diagnosis, and under-treatment ultimately result in poorer outcomes in women. Underlying pathophysiologic differences in women require additional testing to elucidate underlying etiologies.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Cardiovascular disease; Myocardial infarction; Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronaries (MINOCA); Sex differences; Women.