ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN WOMEN: IMPACT OF MODIFIABLE AND SEX-SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n3-141Keywords:
Myocardial Infarction, Women's Health, Risk Factors, Cardiovascular Prevention, Coronary Artery DiseaseAbstract
Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women presents significant particularities in its etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis, often underestimated by traditional risk models. Understanding modifiable risk factors, as well as sex-specific elements, is crucial for optimizing prevention and management. Objective: This article aims to review the impact of metabolic, behavioral, psychosocial, and sex-specific risk factors on AMI in women, highlighting disparities in care and research. Methods: This is a narrative literature review, based on a comprehensive search in electronic databases, using descriptors related to AMI, women's cardiovascular health, and risk factors. Original articles, reviews, and clinical guidelines published in recent years were included. Results: Metabolic factors such as diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and obesity exert a disproportionate influence on women. Behavioral (smoking, sedentary lifestyle) and psychosocial factors (stress, depression, sleep deprivation, socioeconomic determinants) amplify risk and modify AMI presentation. Sex-specific elements, such as hormone therapy, hormonal contraceptives, gestational complications (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes), premature menopause, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), act as risk modifiers or sentinel markers, requiring personalized preventive approaches. Disparities in access to treatment and gender bias in clinical research contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: An integrated and individualized approach, considering the complexity of modifiable and sex-specific risk factors, is fundamental to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AMI in women, aiming to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this population.
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