Antiplatelet Therapy Considerations in Women

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, but because of several factors, one of which is antiplatelet therapy, the mortality rates have steadily declined. However, women continue to experience higher CAD mortality rates than men. This may be explained by differences in comorbidities, increased time to presentation, higher bleeding rates, and differences in management. There are numerous landmark trials in the field of antiplatelet therapy; however, women are consistently underrepresented in these trials. The results of these trials reveal that women experience the same benefit as men from antiplatelet therapy but experience higher bleeding rates; therefore bleeding-reduction strategies are imperative in this patient population. This review provides an overview of the available evidence on CAD in women and its implications for antiplatelet medications.