Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: There are known biological differences between men and women in coronary heart disease. It is important to know these differences in order to avoid inequalities in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.

Methods: We designed a retrospective, descriptive study in which we included all diabetic patients admitted to 3 different hospitals in Cádiz province with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes in 2016. Demographic data and degree of control of risk factors were registered.

Results: 211 patients were evaluated. 139 men and 72 women (34.1%). Average age 69.4±10.8 years. The women in our sample were older at the time of the coronary event (72.3±11.1 vs 67.9±10.5 years, P=0.006), had lower percentage of a prior acute coronary event (36.1% vs 48.2%, NS), higher percentage of atypical clinic (22.2% vs 18.7%; NS), longer evolution time of diabetes (14.7±9.15 vs 11.4±8.3 years, P=0.01). We found a higher prevalence of HBP (90.3% vs 75.5, P=0.01) and lower smoking habit (18.1% vs 38.1%, P=0.003). The HbA1c levels were slightly lower in the group of women, although not satisfactory (7.28% vs 7.42%; NS) while the mean LDL levels were higher than 100 mg/dl in women and lower in the group of men (102.2±1.18 vs 95.7±1.45 mg/dl; NS). We found a significant difference in lethality between both groups (13.9% vs 5%, P=0.025).

Conclusions: As it is described in literature we observed a later development of coronary heart disease in women of our sample and more lethality. The degree of control in our group was unsatisfactory and it was slightly poorer in women. A greater awareness of the differences in presentation of acute coronary syndrome between men and women, with gender-based interpretation of diagnostic tests, is mandatory for health care professionals to improve therapeutic strategies and outcomes in women.