Sex differences related changes in cardiac structure and function after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Sex disparities in presentation, treatment, and outcomes after ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) are well recognized. However, little is known about sex related changes in cardiac structure and function following a STEMI in this contemporary era of early PCI. Purpose To compare sex differences in change of echocardiographic parameters of structure and function following a first-time STEMI. Methods This echocardiographic study involved 380 non-diabetic first-time STEMI patients. Structural and functional parameters were evaluated during initial hospitalization (median 1 day after presentation) and at 4-months. Adverse remodelling was defined as a 20% increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 4 months compared to the hospitalisation echo. Functional parameters included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index (WMSI). According to current guidelines, eccentric hypertrophy was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) >95 g/m2 for women and >115 g/m2 for men with a relative wall thickness (RWT) ≤0.42; concentric hypertrophy was defined as LVMI >95 g/m2 for women and >115 g/m2 for men with RWT >0.42. The different patterns in geometry were assessed at 4-months. Results Among 380 patients, comprising 285 males and 95 females, females had a higher prevalence of hypertension (42% vs. 25.6%, p=0.004), lower hemoglobin levels (8.40 mmol/l vs. 9.10, p<0.001), and higher plasma NT-proBNP concentrations upon admission (132 ng/L vs 67, p<0.001) and after 24 hours (1322 ng/l vs 784, p<0.001). During the initial echocardiogram conducted upon hospitalization, as well as during the echocardiogram at 4 months, women had significantly lower LV diameters, LV volumes, LV mass, LAVI and wall thickness compared to man. However, during both evaluations women showed higher E/e’ ratio’s and LVEF. The change in echocardiographic variables between both timepoints did not differ significantly between sexes. Furthermore, no significant difference in LV geometry patterns (eccentric or concentric) were observed between sexes and adverse LV remodelling was similar between both groups at approximately 22-23% (p=0.991). Conclusions Although differences exist between sexes in patient characteristics and individual echocardiographic parameters, no disparity is observed in geometry patterns, adverse LV remodelling, or the change in echocardiographic parameters after STEMI.