Clinical Profile of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women with Special Reference to the Risk Factors

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in women from developing countries. Among health care professionals there is apparent lack of awareness about this disease in women. All the research based evidence regarding treatment of ischemic heart disease is gathered by experimenting on men. There is lack of studies on ischemic heart disease in women in our nation. The objective of our study was to assess the clinical profile and the risk factors in 100 women presented with ischemic heart disease. Study protocol included detailed clinical history, clinical examination and investigations. The major risk factors of ischemic heart disease in women were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sedentary habits, stress, low socio economic status, old age, family history of ischemic heart disease, tobacco consumption, dyslipidemia, obesity, multiparity, and menopausal status. Some of these risk factors can be modifiable by changing lifestyle, females who are prone for ischemic heart disease need to be screened, counselled and treated. A more extensive prospective cohort study in future is required to know the link between multiparity and ischemic heart disease.