Coronary Revascularization in Women

Women who undergo revascularization with CABG or PTCA may experience more negative acute outcomes compared with men. These gender differences in acute outcome are partly explained by the size of coronary arteries, baseline differences in clinical risk factors, and the unfavorable cardiovascular profiles seen in women. However, once women have survived the revascularization procedure, long-term outcomes are generally similar to those of men. Risk factor identification and modification is an important approach to enhance our ability to reduce long-term restenosis and progression of atherosclerosis following revascularization in women as well as men. After these interventions, only one in three patients benefits from comprehensive risk factor intervention. Nurses are in key positions to approach patients and their families at the time of these major interventions when they are likely to be more receptive to the idea of risk factor modification.