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Xie Z, Guo X, Han L, Wang X, Yan Q, Shu C, Fan Z, Zhao M. Differences in primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies for Chinese men and women. Prev Med Rep 2023; 33:102219. [PMID: 37223569 PMCID: PMC10201908 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore whether stroke prevention strategies differ for men and women. Data used were from China Kadoorie Biobank. According to the China-PAR Project model, a predicted 10-year stroke risk of ≥7% is defined as a high stroke risk. The effects of risk factor control and medication use as primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies were assessed, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to assess the sex-specific differences in the primary and secondary stroke prevention practices. Of the 512,715 participants (59.0% women), 218,972 (57.4% women) had a high risk of stroke and 8884 (44.7% women) had an established stroke. Of high-risk participants, women were considerably less likely than men to receive antiplatelets (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.72-0.89]), antihypertensives (0.46[0.44-0.48]), and antidiabetics (0.65[0.60-0.70]). Meanwhile, stroke women were significantly less likely to receive antiplatelets (0.75[0.65-0.85]) but more likely to receive antidiabetics (1.56 [1.34-1.82]) than their male counterparts. Besides, differences were found in risk factor control between women and men. Sex-specific differences in stroke prevention strategies are prevalent in China. Effective prevention requires the implementation of better overall nationwide strategies and special emphasis on women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghua Xie
- Department of Neurology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyuan Han
- Hwa Mei Hospital, Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Global Health, Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianqian Yan
- Hwa Mei Hospital, Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Global Health, Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chang Shu
- Tianjin Cerebral Vascular and Neural Degenerative Disease Key Laboratory, Tianjin Neurosurgery Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyi Fan
- Department of Neurology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Khedagi A, Hoke C, Kelsey M, Coviello A, Jones WS, Jackson LR, Patel MR, McGarrah RW, Pagidipati NJ, Shah NP. Call to action: Understanding the differences in the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Am J Prev Cardiol 2023; 13:100477. [PMID: 36915710 PMCID: PMC10006446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2023.100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the most prominent global health problems and has been demonstrated to disproportionally affect certain communities. Despite an increasing collective effort to improve health inequalities, a multitude of disparities continue to affect cardiovascular outcomes. Among the most prominent disparities within cardiovascular disease prevention are with the use and distribution of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Several landmark trials have demonstrated the efficacy of these novel agents, not only in cardiovascular disease prevention among those with diabetes, but also in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. However, the use of these agents remains limited by disparities in certain racial/ethnic, sex, and socioeconomic groups. This review works to highlight and understand these differences on the use and prescribing patterns of pivotal agents in cardiovascular disease prevention, SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists. Our aim is to enrich understanding and to inspire efforts to end disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to race, sex and income inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Khedagi
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Cara Hoke
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Michelle Kelsey
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Andrea Coviello
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - W. Schuyler Jones
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Larry R. Jackson
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Manesh R Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Rob W. McGarrah
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Neha J Pagidipati
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Nishant P. Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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The Magnitude and Potential Causes of Sex Disparities in Statin Therapy in Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes: A 10-year Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study. Womens Health Issues 2021; 32:274-283. [PMID: 34949527 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past research has shown that women eligible for statin therapy are less likely than their male counterparts to receive any statin therapy or be prescribed a statin at the guideline-recommended intensity. We compared statin treatment in men and women veterans from a national cohort of older veterans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data were used to create a unique dataset and perform a longitudinal study of veterans with type 2 diabetes from 2007 to 2016. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to model the association between the primary exposure (sex) and statin use. RESULTS The study included 714,212 veterans with diabetes, including 9,608 women, with an overall mean age of 75.9 years. In the unadjusted model for any statin use, women veterans had a 14% significantly lower odds of having any statin use compared with men. After adjusting for all covariates, including markers of Veterans Administration care use (service-connected disability rating, Veterans Administration use, and primary care visits) that serve as proxies for access and mental health comorbidities (depression and psychiatric disorder), this disparity narrowed from 14% to 3% and was no longer statistically significant. In the model for high-intensity statin therapy (high-intensity vs. low or none), women were 10% less likely than men to use high-intensity statins in the base model that included only time and sex. After adjusting for all measured covariates, the direction of the association changed and women had 16% higher odds of high-intensity statin use compared with men (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Consistent with prior research, in the unadjusted analysis a significant sex disparity was observed in statin use, with lower rates observed in women. For the outcome of any statin use, after adjustment for covariates that included variables that are proxies for access as well as psychiatric and depression comorbidities, this disparity lost statistical significance and narrowed. In the high-intensity statin versus low or none model, the direction of the association changed after controlling for measured covariates and women had a 16% higher odds of high-intensity statin use compared with men. This study highlights a persistent health disparity in lipid-lowering therapy for women veterans. Additional research is needed to further elucidate the reasons for and develop interventions to mitigate this persistent sex disparity in cholesterol management for veterans with diabetes.
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Zhao M, Woodward M, Vaartjes I, Millett ERC, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Hyun K, Carcel C, Peters SAE. Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Medication Prescription in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e014742. [PMID: 32431190 PMCID: PMC7429003 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Sex differences in the management of cardiovascular disease have been reported in secondary care. We conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis of systematically investigated sex differences in cardiovascular medication prescription among patients at high risk or with established cardiovascular disease in primary care. Methods and Results PubMed and Embase were searched between 2000 and 2019 for observational studies reporting on the sex‐specific prevalence of aspirin, statins, and antihypertensive medication prescription, including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and diuretics, in primary care. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to obtain pooled women‐to‐men prevalence ratios for each cardiovascular medication prescription. Metaregression models assessed the impact of age and year on the findings. A total of 43 studies were included, involving 2 264 600 participants (28% women) worldwide. Participants’ mean age ranged from 51 to 76 years. The pooled prevalence of cardiovascular medication prescription for women was 41% for aspirin, 60% for statins, and 68% for any antihypertensive medications. Corresponding rates for men were 56%, 63%, and 69% respectively. The pooled women‐to‐men prevalence ratios were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72–0.92) for aspirin, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85–0.95) for statins, and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.95–1.08) for any antihypertensive medications. Women were less likely to be prescribed angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (0.85; 95% CI, 0.81–0.89) but more likely with diuretics (1.27; 95% CI, 1.17–1.37). Mean age, mean age difference between the sexes, and year of study had no significant impact on findings. Conclusions Sex differences in the prescription of cardiovascular medication exist among patients at high risk or with established cardiovascular disease in primary care, with a lower prevalence of aspirin, statins, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors prescription in women and a lower prevalence of diuretics prescription in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Julius Global Health Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht Medical Centre Utrecht University Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health University of Oxford United Kingdom.,The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney Australia.,Department of Epidemiology John Hopkins University Baltimore MD
| | - Ilonca Vaartjes
- Julius Global Health Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht Medical Centre Utrecht University Utrecht Netherlands.,Global Geo and Health Data center Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | | | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht Medical Centre Utrecht University Utrecht Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics School of Public Health Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Karice Hyun
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Westmead Applied Research Centre University of Sydney Australia
| | - Cheryl Carcel
- The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health Sydney Medical School University of Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Sanne A E Peters
- Julius Global Health Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care Utrecht Medical Centre Utrecht University Utrecht Netherlands.,The George Institute for Global Health University of Oxford United Kingdom
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Laleman N, Henrard S, van den Akker M, Goderis G, Buntinx F, Van Pottelbergh G, Vaes B. Time trends in statin use and incidence of recurrent cardiovascular events in secondary prevention between 1999 and 2013: a registry-based study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2018; 18:209. [PMID: 30400778 PMCID: PMC6220501 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-018-0941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The current study evaluated time trends of statin use and incidence of recurrent CVD in secondary prevention from 1999 to 2013 and investigated which factors were associated with statin use in secondary prevention. Methods Intego is a primary care registration network with 111 general practitioners working in 48 practices in Flanders, Belgium. This retrospective registry-based study included patients aged 50 years or older with a history of CVD. The time trends of statin use and incidence of recurrent CVD in secondary prevention were determined by using a joinpoint regression analysis. Multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with statin use in patients in secondary prevention in 2013. Results The overall prevalence of statin use increased and showed two trends: a sharp increase from 1999 to 2005 (annual percentage change (APC) 25.4%) and a weaker increase from 2005 to 2013 (APC 3.7%). The average increase in statin use was the highest in patients aged 80 and older. Patients aged 70–79 years received the most statins. Men used more statins than women did, but both genders showed similar time trends. The incidence of CVD decreased by an average APC of 3.9%. There were no differences between men and women and between different age groups. A significant decrease was only observed in older patients without statins prescribed. In 2013, 61% of the patients in secondary prevention did not receive a statin. The absence of other secondary preventive medication was strongly associated with less statin use. Gender, age and comorbidity were associated with statin use to a lesser degree. Conclusions The prevalence of statin use in secondary prevention increased strongly from 1999 to 2013. Less than 50% of patients with a history of CVD received a statin in 2013. Especially patients who did not receive other secondary preventive medication were more likely to not receive a statin. Despite the strong increase in statin use, there was only a small decrease in the incidence of recurrent CVD, and this occurred mainly in older patients without statins prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Laleman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Séverine Henrard
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Goderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Van Pottelbergh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Vaes
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium.
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Musich S, Wang SS, Schwebke K, Slindee L, Waters E, Yeh CS. Underutilization of Statin Therapy for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Adults. Popul Health Manag 2018; 22:74-82. [PMID: 29893617 PMCID: PMC6386076 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2018.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) clinical trials have demonstrated that higher intensity levels of statin therapy are more effective than lower levels in reducing mortality rates. Despite updated treatment guidelines, statin therapy may be underutilized, with evidence that females are treated less aggressively than males. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of statin utilization by varying therapy intensity by sex. The secondary objective was to document the benefits of statin therapy intensity levels on all-cause mortality for males and females. A 25% random sample of adults ≥65 years was utilized to identify those with established CVD. Inclusion criteria included: (1) 12-month pre period and (2) up to 30 months post period. Five categories of statin utilization were established: adherent to high-, moderate-, or low-intensity statin therapy, nonadherent, and no statins. Among eligible insureds (N = 49,530 males; N = 44,710 females), 20% of males and 12% of females were identified as high-intensity statin users. Mortality rates significantly increased similarly for males and females as statin therapy intensity decreased. Likewise, mortality hazard ratios indicated the most benefit from high-intensity statin therapy compared to all other categories. Statin therapy for secondary prevention of CVD is beneficial in reducing mortality for males and females but is underutilized, especially among females. Education programs among patients to increase heart health awareness and among physicians to promote the benefits of updated statin guidelines should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Musich
- 1 Research for Aging Populations , Optum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shaohung S Wang
- 1 Research for Aging Populations , Optum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kay Schwebke
- 2 Informatics & Data Science , Optum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Luke Slindee
- 2 Informatics & Data Science , Optum, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Evonne Waters
- 3 Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealthcare Alliances , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Mapping the Gaps: Gender Differences in Preventive Cardiovascular Care among Managed Care Members in Four Metropolitan Areas. Womens Health Issues 2018; 28:446-455. [PMID: 29929865 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research documents gender gaps in cardiovascular risk management, with women receiving poorer quality routine care on average, even in managed care systems. Although population health management tools and quality improvement efforts have led to better overall care quality and narrowing of racial/ethnic gaps for a variety of measures, we sought to quantify persistent gender gaps in cardiovascular risk management and to assess the performance of routinely used commercial population health management tools in helping systems narrow gender gaps. METHODS Using 2013 through 2014 claims and enrollment data from more than 1 million members of a large national health insurance plan, we assessed performance on seven evidence-based quality measures for the management of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, a cardiac risk factor, across and within four metropolitan areas. We used logistic regression to adjust for region, demographics, and risk factors commonly tracked in population health management tools. FINDINGS Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control (LDL < 100 mg/dL) rates were 5 and 15 percentage points lower for women than men with diabetes mellitus (p < .0001), and coronary artery disease (p < .0001), respectively. Adjusted analyses showed women were more likely to have gaps in LDL control, with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.38) in diabetes mellitus and 1.88 (95% confidence interval, 1.65-2.10) in coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS Given our findings that gender gaps persist across both clinical and geographic variation, we identified additional steps health plans can take to reduce disparities. For measures where gaps have been consistently identified, we recommend that gender-stratified quality reporting and analysis be used to complement widely used algorithms to identify individuals with unmet needs for referral to population health and wellness behavior support programs.
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Peters SA, Colantonio LD, Zhao H, Bittner V, Dai Y, Farkouh ME, Monda KL, Safford MM, Muntner P, Woodward M. Sex Differences in High-Intensity Statin Use Following Myocardial Infarction in the United States. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 71:1729-1737. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Raeisi-Giglou P, Volgman AS, Patel H, Campbell S, Villablanca A, Hsich E. Advances in Cardiovascular Health in Women over the Past Decade: Guideline Recommendations for Practice. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2018; 27:128-139. [PMID: 28714810 PMCID: PMC5815443 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2016.6316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death in women. It is estimated that 44 million women in the United States are either living with or at risk for heart disease. This article highlights the recent significant progress made in improving care, clinical decision-making, and policy implications for women with CVD. We provide our perspective supported by evidence-based advances in cardiovascular research and clinical care guidelines in seven areas: (1) primary CVD prevention and community heart care, (2) secondary prevention of CVD, (3) stroke, (4) heart failure and cardiomyopathies, (5) ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease, (6) spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and (7) arrhythmias and device therapies. Advances in these fields have improved the lives of women living with and at risk for heart disease. With increase awareness, partnership with national organizations, sex-specific research, and changes in policy, the morbidity and mortality of CVD in women can be further reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annabelle Santos Volgman
- Rush Heart Center for Women Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hena Patel
- Rush Heart Center for Women Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Amparo Villablanca
- Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Eileen Hsich
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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Rosenson RS, Farkouh ME, Mefford M, Bittner V, Brown TM, Taylor B, Monda KL, Zhao H, Dai Y, Muntner P. Trends in Use of High-Intensity Statin Therapy After Myocardial Infarction, 2011 to 2014. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:2696-2706. [PMID: 28571633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.03.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data prior to 2011 suggest that a low percentage of patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes filled high-intensity statin prescriptions upon discharge. Black-box warnings, generic availability of atorvastatin, and updated guidelines may have resulted in a change in high-intensity statin use. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine trends and predictors of high-intensity statin use following hospital discharge for myocardial infarction (MI) between 2011 and 2014. METHODS Secular trends in high-intensity statin use following hospital discharge for MI were analyzed among patients 19 to 64 years of age with commercial health insurance in the MarketScan database (n = 42,893) and 66 to 75 years of age with U.S. government health insurance through Medicare (n = 75,096). Patients filling statin prescriptions within 30 days of discharge were included. High-intensity statins included atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg and rosuvastatin 20 or 40 mg. RESULTS The percentage of beneficiaries whose first statin prescriptions filled following hospital discharge for MI were for high-intensity doses increased from 33.5% in January through March 2011 to 71.7% in October through November 2014 in MarketScan and from 24.8% to 57.5% in Medicare. Increases in high-intensity statin use following hospital discharge occurred over this period among patients initiating treatment (30.6% to 72.0% in MarketScan and 21.1% to 58.8% in Medicare) and those taking low- or moderate-intensity statins prior to hospitalization (from 27.8% to 62.3% in MarketScan and from 12.6% to 45.1% in Medicare). In 2014, factors associated with filling high-intensity statin prescriptions included male sex, filling beta-blocker and antiplatelet agent prescriptions, and attending cardiac rehabilitation within 30 days following discharge. CONCLUSIONS The use of high-intensity statins following hospitalization for MI increased progressively from 2011 through 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rosenson
- Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Michael E Farkouh
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Heart and Stroke Richard Lewar Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Mefford
- Department of Epidemiology University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vera Bittner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Todd M Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ben Taylor
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Keri L Monda
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Yuling Dai
- Department of Epidemiology University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Paul Muntner
- Department of Epidemiology University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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11
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Falsetti L, Viticchi G, Buratti L, Balucani C, Marra AM, Silvestrini M. From head to toe: Sex and gender differences in the treatment of ischemic cerebral disease. Pharmacol Res 2017; 121:240-250. [PMID: 28506796 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly in the older ages. Women have a longer life expectancy and are more likely to experience stroke than men. Interestingly, the increased risk of ischemic stroke in women seems to be independent from age or classical cardiovascular risk factors. Notwithstanding the fact that stroke outcomes and survival are usually poorer in women, current evidence suggests that thrombolysis, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are more beneficial in women than in men. A possible explanation of this paradox might be that females are often undertreated and they have fewer chances to be submitted to an effective and timely treatment for stroke than the male counterpart. The first step in the attempt to solve this obvious discrimination is surely to emphasize any reasons for differences in the therapeutic approach in relation to gender and then to denounce the lack of a sustainable motivation for them. In this article, we aimed to review the existing literature about gender-related differences on efficacy, administration and side effects of the most common drugs used for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The most striking result was the evidence that the therapeutic approach for stroke is often different according to patients' gender with a clear detrimental prognostic effect for women. A major effort is necessary to overcome this problem in order to ensure equal right to treatment without any sexual discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Falsetti
- Internal and Sub-intensive Medicine Department, A.O.U. "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy; University of Bologna, Cardio-Nephro-Thoracic Sciences PhD School, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Viticchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Buratti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Clotilde Balucani
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | | | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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12
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Park SM, Merz CNB. Women and Ischemic Heart Disease: Recognition, Diagnosis and Management. Korean Circ J 2016; 46:433-42. [PMID: 27482251 PMCID: PMC4965421 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2016.46.4.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most frequent causes of death in both males and females throughout the world. However, women exhibit a greater symptom burden, more functional disability, and a higher prevalence of nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to men when evaluated for signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia. This paradoxical sex difference appears to be linked to a sex-specific pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia including coronary microvascular dysfunction, a component of the 'Yentl Syndrome'. Accordingly, the term ischemic heart disease (IHD) is more appropriate for a discussion specific to women rather than CAD or coronary heart disease. Following the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Heart Truth/American Heart Association, Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation and guideline campaigns, the cardiovascular mortality in women has been decreased, although significant gender gaps in clinical outcomes still exist. Women less likely undergo testing, yet guidelines indicate that symptomatic women at intermediate to high IHD risk should have further test (e.g. exercise treadmill test or stress imaging) for myocardial ischemia and prognosis. Further, women have suboptimal use of evidence-based guideline therapies compared with men with and without obstructive CAD. Anti-anginal and anti-atherosclerotic strategies are effective for symptom and ischemia management in women with evidence of ischemia and nonobstructive CAD, although more female-specific study is needed. IHD guidelines are not "cardiac catheterization" based but related to evidence of "myocardial ischemia and angina". A simplified approach to IHD management with ABCs (aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-renin blockers, beta blockers, cholesterol management and statin) should be used and can help to increases adherence to guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Mi Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - C Noel Bairey Merz
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wallach-Kildemoes H, Stovring H, Holme Hansen E, Howse K, Pétursson H. Statin prescribing according to gender, age and indication: what about the benefit-risk balance? J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:235-46. [PMID: 26446680 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALES, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The increasing dispensing of statins has raised concern about the appropriateness of prescribing to various population groups. We aimed to (1) investigate incident and prevalent statin prescribing according to indication, gender and age and (2) relate prescribing patterns to evidence on beneficial and adverse effects. METHODS A cohort of Danish inhabitants (n = 4 424 818) was followed in nationwide registries for dispensed statin prescriptions and hospital discharge information. We calculated incidence rates (2005-2009), prevalence trends (2000-2010) and absolute numbers of statin users according to register proxies for indication, gender and age. RESULTS In 2010, the prevalence became highest for ages 75-84 and was higher in men than women (37% and 33%, respectively). Indication-specific incidences and prevalences peaked at ages around 65-70, but in myocardial infarction, the prevalence was about 80% at ages 45-80. Particularly, incidences tended to be lower in women until ages of about 60 where after gender differences were negligible. In asymptomatic individuals (hypercholesterolaemia, presumably only indication) aged 50+, dispensing was highest in women. The fraction of statin dispensing for primary prevention decreased with age: higher for incident than prevalent prescribing. Independent of age, this fraction was highest among women, e.g. 60% versus 45% at ages 55-64. The fraction for potential atherosclerotic condition (PAC, e.g. heart failure) increased with age. CONCLUSION Prevalence of statin utilization was highest for ages 75-84, although indication-specific measures were relatively low. Despite inconclusive evidence for a favourable risk-benefit balance, statin prescribing was high among people aged 80+, asymptomatic women and PAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Wallach-Kildemoes
- Section for Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Stovring
- Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebba Holme Hansen
- Section for Social and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth Howse
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hálfdán Pétursson
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Lin WC, Ho CH, Tung LC, Ho CC, Chou W, Wang CH. Differences Between Women and Men in Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Nationwide Population-Based Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2494. [PMID: 26817887 PMCID: PMC4998261 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated gender-related differences in patients who have had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few studies have examined the gender-related differences among inpatients receiving Phase I inpatient cardiac rehabilitation following AMI.Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, this study analyzed 6713 adult patients who received inpatient cardiac rehabilitation following AMI between 2002 and 2011. The differences in comorbidity, medical service use, and prognosis between the male and female patients were analyzed to determine whether the comorbidities affecting their prognoses differed.Female patients accounted for 23.18% of the sample, had a higher average age, and exhibited severe comorbidities; furthermore, they had significantly more days of hospitalization and days in an intensive care unit than did male patients. The gender-related differences in hospital mortality rate and 30-day mortality rate were nonsignificant, but female patients exhibited a significantly higher 1-year mortality rate. Moreover, the risk for 1-year mortality was higher among female patients with moderate or severe renal disease (odds ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.92) than among their male counterparts. However, the 1-year mortality rate for the female patients did not increase after all risk factors were adjusted.Gender-related differences in age, comorbidity, and prognosis were confirmed in AMI patients receiving Phase I inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, gender-related differences were observed in the comorbidity risk factors affecting prognosis. However, being female did not affect the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chih Lin
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical center, Chiali, Tainan, Taiwan (LW-C); Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, and Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan (HC-H); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical Center, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (TL-C); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan (HC-C); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical Center, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan (CW); Department of Recreation and Health Care Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan (CW); and School of Physical Therapy, Chung Shan Medical University, and Physical Therapy Room, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (WC-H)
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Lau E, Foody JM. Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in Women: Gaps in Care/Gaps in Knowledge—Where Do We Need to Focus Our Attention. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-015-0452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Ischaemic heart disease in the ageing woman. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2013; 27:689-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Loikas D, Wettermark B, von Euler M, Bergman U, Schenck-Gustafsson K. Differences in drug utilisation between men and women: a cross-sectional analysis of all dispensed drugs in Sweden. BMJ Open 2013; 3:e002378. [PMID: 23645921 PMCID: PMC3646185 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ascertain the extent of differences between men and women in dispensed drugs since there is a lack of comprehensive overviews on sex differences in the use of prescription drugs. DESIGN Cross-sectional population database analysis. METHODS Data on all dispensed drugs in 2010 to the entire Swedish population (9.3 million inhabitants) were obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. All pharmacological groups with ambulatory care prescribing accounting for >75% of the total volume in Defined Daily Doses and a prevalence of >1% were included in the analysis. Crude and age-adjusted differences in prevalence and incidence were calculated as risk ratios (RRs) of women/men. RESULTS In all, 2.8 million men (59%) and 3.6 million women (76%) were dispensed at least one prescribed drug during 2010. Women were dispensed more drugs in all age groups except among children under the age of 10. The largest sex difference in prevalence in absolute numbers was found for antibiotics that were more common in women, 265.5 patients (PAT)/1000 women and 191.3 PAT/1000 men, respectively. This was followed by thyroid therapy (65.7 PAT/1000 women and 13.1 PAT/1000 men) and antidepressants (106.6 PAT/1000 women and 55.4 PAT/1000 men). Age-adjusted relative sex differences in prevalence were found in 48 of the 50 identified pharmacological groups. The pharmacological groups with the largest relative differences of dispensed drugs were systemic antimycotics (RR 6.6 CI 6.4 to 6.7), drugs for osteoporosis (RR 4.9 CI 4.9 to 5.0) and thyroid therapy (RR 4.5 CI 4.4 to 4.5), which were dispensed to women to a higher degree. Antigout agents (RR 0.4 CI 0.4 to 0.4), psychostimulants (RR 0.6 CI 0.6 to 0.6) and ACE inhibitors (RR 0.7 CI 0.7 to 0.7) were dispensed to men to a larger proportion. CONCLUSIONS Substantial differences in the prevalence and incidence of dispensed drugs were found between men and women. Some differences may be rational and desirable and related to differences between the sexes in the incidence or prevalence of disease or by biological differences. Other differences are more difficult to explain on medical grounds and may indicate unequal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Loikas
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Solna Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Healthcare Development, Public Healthcare Services Committee, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Wettermark
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Solna Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Healthcare Development, Public Healthcare Services Committee, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mia von Euler
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergman
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology (CPE), Solna Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Schenck-Gustafsson
- Department of Medicine, Cardiac Unit and Centre for Gender Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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Perrone G, Brunelli R. Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: The Obstetric-Gynecologist's Point of View. Ther Apher Dial 2013; 17:162-8. [DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Perrone
- Department of Gynecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences; Policlinico Umberto I; University of Rome “Sapienza”; Roma; Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Gynecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences; Policlinico Umberto I; University of Rome “Sapienza”; Roma; Italy
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Abstract
There is evidence that female patients receive less intensified drug therapy in many medical conditions than male patients. However, there are only limited data regarding the influence of physician gender on drug therapy. It has been shown, for example, that female physicians tend to adhere more closely to guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy compared to their male counterparts. In some medical conditions where drug therapy is only one among various components of a complex interplay of therapeutic regimes (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, pain management), female physicians seem to achieve better overall intermediate outcomes and some studies suggest that "better" drug therapy is provided by female compared to male physicians. The reasons for the overall better outcomes may be superior communication skills of female physicians, participatory decision making, and consequently improved drug adherence in addition to or in combination with more effective non-pharmacologic treatment results. It is impossible to distinguish between the individual contributions of drug- and nondrug-related influence on such improved outcomes and thus to determine whether they are due to unconfounded physician gender effects on drug therapy. There is until now in no area of medicine evidence to suggest that a patient will consistently receive higher quality of drug therapy by switching to a physician of a specific gender.
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Bhattacharjee S, Findley PA, Sambamoorthi U. Understanding Gender Differences in Statin Use among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries. Drugs Aging 2012; 29:971-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-012-0032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Turner BJ, Hollenbeak CS, Weiner M, Tang SSK. A retrospective cohort study of the potency of lipid-lowering therapy and race-gender differences in LDL cholesterol control. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2011; 11:58. [PMID: 21961563 PMCID: PMC3197552 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2261-11-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reasons for race and gender differences in controlling elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may be related to variations in prescribed lipid-lowering therapy. We examined the effect of lipid-lowering drug treatment and potency on time until LDL control for black and white women and men with a baseline elevated LDL. METHODS We studied 3,484 older hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in 6 primary care practices over a 4-year timeframe. Potency of lipid-lowering drugs calculated for each treated day and summed to assess total potency for at least 6 and up to 24 months. Cox models of time to LDL control within two years and logistic regression models of control within 6 months by race-gender adjust for: demographics, clinical, health care delivery, primary/specialty care, LDL measurement, and drug potency. RESULTS Time to LDL control decreased as lipid-lowering drug potency increased (P < 0.001). Black women (N = 1,440) received the highest potency therapy (P < 0.001) yet were less likely to achieve LDL control than white men (N = 717) (fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% CI 0.56-0.78]). Black men (N = 666) and white women (N = 661) also had lower adjusted HRs of LDL control (0.82 [95% CI 0.69, 0.98] and 0.75 [95% CI 0.64-0.88], respectively) than white men. Logistic regression models of LDL control by 6 months and other sensitivity models affirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS Black women and, to a lesser extent, black men and white women were less likely to achieve LDL control than white men after accounting for lipid-lowering drug potency as well as diverse patient and provider factors. Future work should focus on the contributions of medication adherence and response to treatment to these clinically important differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Turner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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McQuade C, Skugor M, Brennan DM, Hoar B, Stevenson C, Hoogwerf BJ. Hypothyroidism and moderate subclinical hypothyroidism are associated with increased all-cause mortality independent of coronary heart disease risk factors: a PreCIS database study. Thyroid 2011; 21:837-43. [PMID: 21745107 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2010.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones have profound effect on the heart and peripheral vasculature. Hypothyroidism is associated with an increase in a number of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated levels of homocysteine. Our objective was to assess the effects of hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]: >10 μ U/mL), moderate subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH; TSH: 6.1-10 μ U/mL), and mild SCH (TSH: 3.1-6.0 μ U/mL) on cardiovascular risk factors, CHD prevalence, and all-cause mortality in patients at high risk for CHD seen in a preventive cardiology clinic. METHODS All patients seen in the Cleveland Clinic Preventive Cardiology clinic have demographic and laboratory tests including TSH and multiple CHD risk factors obtained at the baseline visit. All data are entered into a database (called PreCIS). The social security death index is queried monthly to determine all-cause mortality. RESULTS Several CHD risk factors including age, male gender, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and fibrinogen were more common in hypothyroid patients. Prevalence of CHD was more common in hypothyroid and moderate SCH patients. All-cause mortality was higher in hypothyroid and moderate SCH patients, but not in mild SCH patients. Higher mortality in these groups was observed in both genders, patients under 65 years of age, and patients not on thyroid replacement therapy, but was not observed in patients over 65 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Hypothyroidism and moderate, but not mild, SCH are associated with increased CHD prevalence and all-cause mortality. These observations suggest patients with moderate, but not mild, SCH and patients at high risk for CHD should be treated with thyroid replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine McQuade
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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Abstract
There are gender differences in the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of chest pain. When compared to men, women may have more atypical presentations of chest pain. In addition, current diagnostic tools are often not definitive regarding cardiac etiology for chest pain in women. The current diagnostic model of chest pain focuses on significant obstructions within the large coronary arteries as the cause for angina. Microvascular angina (MVA) represents an under-recognized pathophysiologic mechanism that may explain the apparent disparities and elucidate an etiology for the common finding in women of chest pain, ischemia on stress testing, and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on angiography in the presence of abnormal coronary reactivity testing. Endothelial dysfunction, estrogen deficiency, and abnormal nociception play a role in the pathophysiology of MVA. Treatments are targeted toward these underlying mechanisms. Recognizing the role gender and other pathophysiologic models of chest pain can play in the work-up and treatment of angina may identify a treatable cardiac condition, that would otherwise be discounted as non-cardiac in origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Nugent
- Women's Heart Center, Preventive Cardiac Center, Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 444 S San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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Differences in management and outcomes between male and female patients with atherothrombotic disease: results from the REACH Registry in Europe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 18:270-7. [DOI: 10.1097/hjr.0b013e32833cca34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Protective vascular treatment of patients with peripheral arterial disease: guideline adherence according to year, age and gender. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2011. [PMID: 20364548 DOI: 10.1007/bf03405572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate vasoprotective pharmacological treatment of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) according to: 1) year, 2) age and 3) gender. METHODS An observational retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the systemic vascular treatment of a population-based cohort of patients with PAD > or = 50 years old, discharged from a tertiary-care teaching hospital between January 1, 1997 and December 11, 2006. Data were obtained from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec. Drugs evaluated included antiplatelet agents (APs), statins (STs) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and a combination of all three. Proportions of patients treated were compared according to year, age and gender using Chi-square. RESULTS The mean age of the study population (5962 individuals) was 73.2 +/- 9.1 years; 43.8% were women. After hospital discharge, 71.6%, 47.6%, 42.2% and 20.6% were taking respectively, an AP, statin, ACEI or all three. Protective treatment improved significantly from 1997 to 2006. Significantly more subjects 50-64 years used a statin or all three agents, compared to subjects > or = 65 years (statins: 56.6% vs. 45.8%, all three: 26.2% vs. 19.5%; p < 0.001). Significantly more men than women used statins (49.1% vs. 45.6%; p < 0.001) and ACEIs (44.5% vs. 39.3%; p < 0.001). Similarily, use of all three agents was 22.4% for men and 18.2% for women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although systemic vascular treatment received by patients with PAD has increased in the past years, it remains suboptimal, particularly for older patients and women. Strategies to improve adherence to treatment guidelines should be developed for these high-risk populations.
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Aspirin use in elderly women receiving medication therapy management services. Adv Ther 2010; 27:613-22. [PMID: 20607467 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-010-0046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease is the largest single cause of death among women in the US. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend aspirin use in women > or = 65 years of age if blood pressure is controlled and the benefits of cardiovascular risk reduction likely outweigh the risk of bleeding. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of aspirin use in elderly women and factors associated with use. METHODS This retrospective study evaluated aspirin use in women aged > or = 65 years based on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal bleeding risk using a medication therapy management database within a large mid-Atlantic managed care organization. Logistic regression was used to analyze patient-related variables associated with aspirin use. Variables included clinical coronary heart disease (CHD), number of CHD risk factors, diabetes diagnosis, number of chronic medications and presence of contraindications to aspirin. RESULTS Aspirin use was reported in 50% of patients: 68.0% in the secondary prevention group and 46.3% in the primary prevention group. The percentage of patients using aspirin or with relative aspirin contraindications increased to 84% for the secondary prevention group and 65.9% for the primary prevention group. Patients with clinical CHD and those with diabetes and without clinical CHD were 5.88 (P=0.008) and 7.54 (P=0.012) times more likely to utilize aspirin, respectively, than patients with only one CHD risk factor of age. Patients with relative contraindications to aspirin were less likely to use aspirin (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The high use of aspirin in patients at higher CHD risk supports national recommendations. Clinical practitioners need to carefully assess the value of aspirin in patients at low CHD risk and those 80 years of age and beyond where evidence of benefit should be weighed against risk.
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Gender influence in influenza vaccine uptake in Spain: time trends analysis (1995-2006). Vaccine 2010; 28:6169-75. [PMID: 20659518 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to analyze gender differences in influenza vaccine coverage and predictors of vaccine uptake in Spain from year 1995 to 2006. We used data obtained from the Spanish National Health Surveys (NHSS) conducted in 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2006. Only subjects for whom the vaccine was recommended in Spain (age >or=65 years and <65 years with an associated chronic condition) during the entire study period were analyzed. Influenza vaccination status was self-reported. Independent variables included: year of survey, age, marital status, educational level, size of town, physician visits and chronic conditions. The study population included 26,653 (15,973 women and 10,680 men) individuals and 54.9% (CI 95% 54.3-55.5) were vaccinated. Vaccination coverage was higher among men than women in each and all of the NHSS analyzed. Positive predictors of vaccine uptake were the same among women and men including: higher age, being married, lower educational level, "Physician visits in last four weeks"; and the presence of associated chronic condition. Time trends 1995/1997-2006 showed that the coverage has improved for women (OR 1.12 CI 95% 1.09-1.16) and men (OR 1.11 CI 95% 1.06-1.15). Over the whole study period men had 12% greater probability of having received the vaccine. We conclude that in Spain there are significant gender differences in influenza vaccine uptake with lower coverage among women. These differences have remained throughout all years studied. We suggest that possible explanations for the lower uptake among women could include less social support, differences in the health status and provider bias.
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The Relationship Between Health Risks and Health and Productivity Costs Among Employees at Pepsi Bottling Group. J Occup Environ Med 2010; 52:519-27. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181dce655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Blomstrand D, Kölbel T, Lindblad B, Gottsäter A. Activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex in peripheral arterial disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2010; 24:588-95. [PMID: 20409682 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombin activation measured by the levels of the complex between activated protein C (APC) and the protein C inhibitor (PCI) is elevated in several atherosclerotic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether levels of the APC-PCI complex are related to the prognosis in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Longitudinal study performed at the Vascular Centre, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden. METHODS APC-PCI complex levels were analyzed in 268 consecutive patients hospitalized for PAD and in 42 healthy controls (median age, 74 years). Patients (n = 35) with warfarin treatment less than 4 weeks before APC-PCI sampling were excluded from analysis. Data-based medical records of all 233 remaining patients (median age, 72 [64-79] years) were searched for vascular events such as hospitalization because of atherosclerotic disease, operative or endovascular recanalization of peripheral arteries, transtibial or transfemoral amputation because of PAD, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or death. RESULTS Median duration of follow-up was 16 months (interquartile range, 12-23 months). APC-PCI complex levels were higher in PAD patients than in controls (0.240 [0.180-0.320] microg/L vs. 0.140 [0.190-0.220] microg/L; p < 0.0001) but not associated with an increased risk for death (p = 0.2054) or events during follow-up (p = 0.2850). Independent predictors of future events were low b-hemoglobin (p = 0.0084), high b-leukocytes (p = 0.0034), and history of a previous vascular event (p = 0.0032). Age (p = 0.0286), high p-creatinine (p = 0.0165), and history of a previous event (p = 0.0311) were independent predictors of death. CONCLUSION APC-PCI complex levels were higher in PAD patients than in controls, but did not predict the clinical outcome. The effect of a possible prethrombotic state, as reflected in increased APC-PCI levels, on prognosis and severity of atherosclerotic disease has to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Blomstrand
- Vascular Centre, Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Malmö, Sweden
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McFarlane J, Symes L, Frazier L, McGlory G, Henderson-Everhardus MC, Watson K, Liu Y. Connecting the Dots of Heart Disease, Poor Mental Health, and Abuse to Understand Gender Disparities and Promote Women's Health: A Prospective Cohort Analysis. Health Care Women Int 2010; 31:313-26. [DOI: 10.1080/07399330902893853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Reibis RK, Bestehorn K, Pittrow D, Jannowitz C, Wegscheider K, Völler H. Elevated risk profile of women in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: a 6-year survey of 117,913 patients. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2009; 18:1123-31. [PMID: 19630543 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2008.1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The prognosis of female patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been shown to be inferior to that of male patients. Little is known about gender differences during the secondary prevention phase. METHODS After ACS, 117,913 patients (30.7% female) were enrolled in two large-scale German registries from 2000 to 2005 during phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Demographic parameters, reperfusion strategies, cardiovascular risk factors, exercise capacity, and medication use at admission and discharge were assessed. Temporary changes (trends) and gender-specific differences were determined. RESULTS Compared to 2000, patients in 2005 were significantly older (females: 66.4 vs. 68.0 years; males: 62.3 vs. 63.3 years; p = 0.001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI) (females: 27.7 vs. 28.6 kg/m(2); males: 27.6 vs. 28.1 kg/m(2), in 2000 and 2005, respectively, p < 0.001). Target blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg at discharge was obtained in a smaller proportion of women than men (81.0 vs. 83.0%, p < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at discharge were significantly higher in female patients (95.0 vs. 93.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001); 80.9% of female vs. 83.8% of male patients achieved a target fasting glucose <126 mg/dL during the CR (p < 0.001). Large between-center variability was noted for age, total cholesterol at entry, and exercise capacity at entry and discharge. CONCLUSIONS Although control of cardiovascular risk factors has improved in both genders, over a recent 6-year period, female patients compared with males were less likely to achieve target values for blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid values in the early period after acute coronary events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona K Reibis
- Department of Cardiology, Klinik am See, Rehabilitation Center of Cardiovascular Disease, Ruedersdorf/Berlin, Germany.
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Low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment in dyslipidemic women: The Lipid Treatment Assessment Project (L-TAP) 2. Am Heart J 2009; 158:860-6. [PMID: 19853709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2009.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences between women and men have been documented for both diagnostic testing and treatment in cardiology. This analysis evaluates whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) success rates according to current guidelines and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels differ by gender in the L-TAP 2 population. METHODS Patients aged > or =20 years with dyslipidemia on stable lipid-lowering therapy were assessed in 9 countries between September 2006 and April 2007. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment by cardiovascular risk level and region and determinants of low HDL-C were compared between genders. RESULTS Of 9,955 patients (45.3% women) evaluated, women had a significantly lower overall LDL-C success rate than men (71.5% vs 73.7%, P = .014), due entirely to the difference in the high-risk/coronary heart disease (CHD) group (LDL-C goal <100 mg/dL, 62.6% vs 70.6%, P < .0001) Among CHD patients with > or =2 additional risk factors, only 26.7% of women and 31.5% of men (P = .021) attained the optional LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was <50 mg/dL in 32.2% of women and <40 mg/dL in 26.8% of men (P < .0001), including 38.2% of women and 29.8% of men in the high risk/CHD group (P < .0001). Predictors of low HDL-C in women included diabetes, smoking, waist circumference, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Cholesterol treatment has improved substantially since the original L-TAP a decade ago, when only 39% of women attained their LDL-C goal. However, high-risk women are undertreated compared to men, and a substantial opportunity remains to reduce their cardiovascular risk.
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Sanderson BK, Thompson J, Brown TM, Tucker MJ, Bittner V. Assessing Patient Recall of Discharge Instructions for Acute Myocardial Infarction. J Healthc Qual 2009; 31:25-33; quiz 34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2009.00052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Godfrey JR, Manson JE. Toward Optimal Health: Strategies for Prevention of Heart Disease in Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2008; 17:1271-6. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2008.1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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