Gender bias in the evaluation of chest pain in the emergency department

To evaluate gender bias in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with new-onset nontraumatic chest pain in the emergency department, a retrospective chart review of 311 patients was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital emergency department. Despite similar age, symptoms, and risk factors, women received fewer electrocardiograms, and underwent less cardiac monitoring and lactic dehydrogenase isoenzyme and creatine kinase testing; women were statistically less likely to receive emergency cardiology consults, nitroglycerin, acetylsalicylic acid, heparin, and admission, indicating a less elaborate approach than in men.