The Particulars: Prior research suggests that women with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at greater risk for mortality following primary PCI (PPCI) when compared with men. However, published results have been inconclusive.

Data Breakdown: Data on more than 1,200 patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed to compare clinical and procedural characteristics and 30-day mortality between men and women for a study. Women were less likely to be smokers, but more likely to be diabetic and hypertensive. Women also had higher symptoms-to-balloon times, lower left ventricular ejection fractions, and lower left main disease. Women also had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than men.

Take Home Pearl: Among patients undergoing PPCI, women appear to have more bleeding complications and higher 30-day mortality than men.

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