Gender differences in patients with stable angina attending primary care practices

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess gender differences in the health status of patients with chronic stable angina using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Potential contributing clinical factors were also examined.

Methods: Gender disparities in 2005 stable angina patients (712 females) were determined from general practitioner clinical evaluations and patient-completed questionnaire (SAQ). As there were significant age differences between genders, all subsequent analyses were adjusted for age.

Results: Compared with men, women with angina had poorer angina-related health outcomes as assessed by the SAQ, including more frequent angina (81±22 vs 85±22, respectively, p<0.001) with greater associated physical limitations (65±27 vs 73±26, respectively, p<0.001) and a poorer quality of life (68±24 vs 71±24, respectively, p=0.0026).

Conclusion: Women with stable angina have poorer angina-related health outcomes compared with their male counterparts. Multiple factors may contribute to this disparity including differences in clinical factors, underlying biological mechanisms and psychosocial factors.