Unstable Angina in Women: A Case Study

ABSTRACT Importance: This article aims to review the presentation of unstable angina in women. Observations: Multiple studies confirmed the difference in the presentation of unstable angina when comparing women to men. What is less clear is the degree to which the evaluation of unstable angina led to the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease and the effect of treatment with revascularization. Some studies suggested that women were less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention but, when they did, they suffered more complications. Conclusions and Relevance: There are differences in the presentation and treatment of men and women with ACS. Women are far more likely to present with atypical symptoms. In fact, women are more likely to present without chest pain and less likely to attribute their symptoms to coronary artery disease. For these reasons and more, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women. Healthcare providers must be aware of these differences in order to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the mortality and morbidity in women with ACS