Follow the progress of Hemolens Diagnostics
This website contains information intended only for persons professionally dealing with medical devices (e.g. for persons performing medical professions, for persons dealing with the distribution of medical devices). Please confirm that you are a medical device professional to proceed.
Follow the progress of Hemolens Diagnostics
March 8, 2024
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s essential to shed light on the unique aspects of women’s health, including heart health. Recent studies have highlighted distinct differences in coronary artery plaque burden between men and women, revealing valuable insights into cardiovascular disease.
In a study examining coronary artery plaque burden and distribution, researchers conducted a detailed analysis using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). This analysis, part of the PACIFIC trial, involved 203 patients, with 63.5% being male, and included 581 vessels.
The findings were striking.
Men showed a higher frequency of ischemia compared to women, indicating a greater risk of impaired blood flow to the heart muscle.
Women, on the other hand, exhibited a smaller burden of all plaque subtypes, including calcified, non-calcified, and low-density non-calcified plaque.
Interestingly, while there was no significant difference in total, calcified, or non-calcified plaque burdens between men and women in vessels with ischemia, women had significantly lower levels of low-density non-calcified plaque burden. This suggests potential variations in plaque composition between the sexes.
Moreover, the study revealed that plaque burdens, regardless of subtype, were independently associated with ischemia in both men and women. Quantitative assessment of plaque burdens provided valuable predictive value for ischemia, supplementing traditional measures such as stenosis severity and adverse plaque characteristics.
These findings underscore the importance of personalized approaches to heart health, considering the differing risk profiles between men and women. By understanding these sex-specific differences in coronary artery plaque burden, healthcare professionals can better tailor preventive strategies and interventions for improved cardiovascular outcomes.
In conclusion, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, let’s not forget the significance of women’s heart health. Recognizing and addressing sex-related disparities in coronary artery disease is crucial for promoting overall well-being and longevity for everyone, regardless of gender.
Reference: J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr. 2023 Mar-Apr;17(2):112-119.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcct.2022.12.002
