Gender-based differences in the management and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome in Korea

PURPOSE Gender-based differences exist in the characteristics, management, and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, their impact on prognosis remains unclear. We aimed to identify factors causing these differences in Koreans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined 6,636 ACS patients (66.2% males) visiting 72 Korean hospitals between April-2007 and December-2008. Gender-based differences in clinical demographics, therapy, and outcomes were analyzed over 6 months. RESULTS Women were older than men [mean (standard deviation, SD) age, 67.6 (9.8) vs. 60.6 (11.2) years; p