A study on the clinical profile and risk factors of ischemic heart disease in women

Abstract

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the principle causes of morbidity and of mortality in women1. Ischemic heart disease may manifest clinically as either chronic stable angina or acute coronary syndrome2 (ACS). Traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) contribute to the development of IHD in both women and men. Some risk factors are unique to women (e.g., pregnancy-related complications, menopause), which cause increased mortality in women Aim: To study the risk factors and clinical profile of ischemic heart disease in women. Materials And Methods: Hospital-based prospective, cross-sectional study done in 50 patients with ischemic heart disease. Patients with a history of Chest pain suggestive of ischemic heart diseases and Electrocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers suggestive of ischemic heart disease were included in the study. Results: Maximum incidence of ischemic heart diseases is seen in the 6th decade. Mean age is 58.92 + 2.8years. 64%of the patients presented with chest pain, and 36% patients presented without any chest pain. After chest pain, the most common symptom was palpitations, seen in 56% patients, followed by sweating (44%). 30% presented to the medical facility within 3hours. 88% were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, and 12% were diagnosed with chronic stable angina. Women specific risk factors include the pregnancy-related complications seen in 10% patients, menopause attained in 86% patients, PCOS seen in 08% patients, use of oral contraceptive pills noticed in 08% patients, Other risk factors identified were hypothyroidism in 16% patients, connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis seen in 12% of the patients. Conclusion: Awareness regarding atypical symptoms as well as other symptoms of IHD should be created among women to avoid delayed complications. Simple lifestyle modifications like physical activity, diet modifications, etc., will reduce the number of women at risk for IHD.