Risk assessment in cardiac events (RACE) for women

Women have different primary risk factors for heart disease compared to men, and the risk of heart disease among women has been seriously underestimated. The difference in primary risk factors may have contributed to the higher levels of myocardial dysfunction in women presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) compared to men. The degree of primary cardiovascular risk factors can affect the outcomes following a major cardiac event, and accurate assessment of secondary risk is warranted. Assessing for secondary cardiovascular risks among women following an initial MI requires the use of validated risk assessment tools, but the sensitivity of such tools in assessing primary and secondary cardiovascular risks among women needs further exploration. This thesis investigates the concept of short and long-term risk after an MI in women.