Factors influencing underutilization of evidence-based therapies in women

Aims Previous studies have reported differences in the use of cardiovascular medications for acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) according to the sex of the patient. We analysed which clinical factors are associated with underutilization of evidence-based therapies in women. Methods and results From the Canadian Registry of ACS I and II, 6558 patients (4471 men and 2087 women) with a final diagnosis of ACS were selected for the current analysis. Covariates were chosen using the approach described by Blackstone. The final selected model included 23 patient clinical variables. Women were less likely than men to receive beta-blockers (75.76 vs. 79.24%; P < 0.01), lipid-modifying agents (56.37 vs. 65.44%; P < 0.0001), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors (55.52 vs. 59.99%; P < 0.01). Female sex and clinical decision not to investigate with cardiac catheterization were the strongest independent predictors for not receiving lipid-modifying agents and ACE-inhibitors. Age, Killip class 2, and Killip class 3/4 were significant independent predictors of underutilization of beta-blocker use. Women were older (69 +/- 12 vs. 64 +/- 12; P, 0.01) with a higher prevalence of Killip class >= 2 (19.95 vs. 15.54%; P < 0.068), and they were less likely to be referred for cardiac catheterization (41.9 vs. 49.6 %; P < 0.001). Conclusions The current findings demonstrate that underutilization of evidence-based therapies in women with ACS compared with men is associated with multiple factors related to the patient (age), the consequences of the disease (congestive heart failure), and the physician's assessment of patient risk (decision to catheterize). Female gender remains associated with underutilization of lipid-modifying agents and ACE-inhibitors despite adjustment for these confounders.