Comparison of major coronary risk factors in female and male patients with premature coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to analyse and compare the major coronary risk factors of female and male patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) aged < or = 45 years. METHODS: We evaluated 4613 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography at our institution; 572 symptomatic patients (489 men and 83 women) diagnosed as having premature CAD (age < or = 45 years) were included in our analysis. For each patient, the presence of major coronary risk factors such as family history of CAD, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cigarette smoking were recorded. Besides, clinical presentation and angiographic findings were also recorded. RESULTS: The most common risk factor was cigarette smoking in young men (70.3%). However, the major coronary risk factor was hypercholesterolaemia in young women (67.5%). When we compared two groups with respect to major coronary risk factors, we found that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly higher in young women than in young men (diabetes mellitus: 27.7% vs. 12.3%, respectively, P < 0.001, hypertension: 56.6% vs. 23.4%, respectively, P < 0.001). However, cigarette smoking was found to be significantly higher in men than in women (70.3% vs. 28.9% respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We have shown for the first time the impact of gender on the coronary risk factor profile in young Turkish patients with premature CAD. These findings may be useful for gender-based management and risk factor modification of young patients with premature CAD.