Imaging of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: A Critical Review of the Literature

This publication examines the special characteristics of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its clinical presentation in women, which differ from those of men. While coronary obstruction and multi-vessel disease are more common in men, non-ischemic heart disease (IHD) best encompasses the spectrum of the disease in women. The publication provides a critical review of the existing literature, covering some general aspects of the disease as well as how to make a diagnosis/prognosis of IHD, both clinical and by means of cardiac imaging. The specific situation of cardiac imaging in the management of IHD in low- or middle- income countries is surveyed. In addition, reference is made to cardiotoxicity and radiotherapy-induced disease in breast cancer.