PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - G W Mikhail TI - Coronary revascularisation in women AID - 10.1136/hrt.2005.070359 DP - 2006 May 01 TA - Heart PG - iii19--iii23 VI - 92 IP - suppl 3 4099 - http://heart.bmj.com/content/92/suppl_3/iii19.short 4100 - http://heart.bmj.com/content/92/suppl_3/iii19.full SO - Heart2006 May 01; 92 AB - Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide. It is still considered a disease of men and there has been little recognition of its importance in women. Gender differences exist in acute and chronic ischaemia in terms of clinical manifestations, investigations and treatment. There are clear gender differences in coronary revascularisation with a higher mortality seen in women. At the time a woman presents with coronary artery disease she is older and has more co-morbid factors. Furthermore, women have smaller coronary arteries making them more difficult to revascularise. In recent years there has been a general trend towards improved outcomes in women undergoing both surgical and percutaneous coronary intervention. The increasing use of drug eluting stents and adjunctive medical treatment as well as the use of off-pump bypass surgery needs further evaluation in terms of gender differences. This article reviews the current literature on coronary revascularisation in women.