Angiographic prevalence and pattern of coronary artery disease in women

BACKGROUND: There are not many studies describing the prevalence and pattern of "coronary artery disease" (CAD) in women undergoing "coronary angiography" (CAG). Hence, uncertainty thrives with regard to the angiographic prevalence and pattern of CAD in women. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the prevalence and pattern of CAD among women undergoing CAG. METHODS: Data of 500 women who underwent CAG for suspected CAD over 3 years were retrospectively analyzed. They were classified into young group (age < 55 years) and elderly group (age ≥ 55 years). Angiographic profile of "left main disease" (LMD) was also studied. RESULTS: There was greater prevalence of obstructive CAD especially double vessel disease and triple vessel disease in elderly group while normal coronaries were more prevalent in young group. There was equal distribution of non-significant lesions and intermediate lesions between the two groups. The prevalence of LMD is 3.4%, obstructive CAD is 45.4%, and multivessel disease is 28%. The prevalence of LMD and multivessel disease is 31.4%. The pattern of involvement of coronary arteries was same between the two groups; left anterior descending artery is the most commonly affected vessel. Chronic total occlusion mostly involved right coronary artery. Bifurcation lesion involving distal left main coronary artery is the most prevalent pattern of LMD. CONCLUSION: There has been a change with regard to clinical presentation and onset of risk factors for CAD at young age, but the load of atherosclerotic burden and pattern of involvement of coronary arteries have not changed in women.