Sex differences in secondary prevention needs and recommendations among patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Abstract

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly recognized as a cause of heart attacks, particularly for female patients; however, approximately 10% of cases occur in male patients. While male and female differences pertaining to clinical outcomes and treatment protocols have been addressed in the literature, research is limited on sex differences in secondary prevention programming, such as cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for patients with SCAD to promote physical and mental recovery. This letter highlights sex-specific gaps in existing programming and reports patients' suggestions for enhancing the recovery of this unique patient population.