Chest pain and cardiovascular diseases in women: Diagnostics and treatment

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of global mortality not only in men but also in women. The incidence of CVD significantly increases in women, especially after the menopause. Sex and gender differences in the incidence, prevalence and mortality of CVD are due to hormonal, anatomical, and sociocultural differences. As part of the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), risk factors specific for women, such as autoimmune diseases and pregnancy-associated diseases (e.g., gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia) should also be taken into account in addition to the classical cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, in women with angina pectoris it should be considered that women in particular frequently suffer from ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) that can be caused, for example, by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) or coronary spasms. Based on this, the diagnostics should not be terminated in symptomatic women after coronary angiography with normal epicardial vessels. A targeted diagnostics for CMD and coronary spasms should be carried out at an early stage.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, affecting both men and women. Women, especially after menopause, have a significantly increased risk of developing these diseases. The differences in incidence, prevalence, and mortality of cardiovascular diseases between sexes are attributed to hormonal, anatomical, and sociocultural factors. In addition to classical cardiovascular risk factors, risk factors specific to women, such as autoimmune diseases and pregnancy-associated conditions, should be considered for primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.