ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Revascularization is considered the standard of care for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is known to reduce readmission. However there is a paucity of data that examines the sex-dependent impact of revascularization on readmission. We aimed to investigate sex differences in revascularization rates, 30-day readmission rates, and primary cause of readmissions following STEMIs. METHODS: STEMI hospitalizations were selected in the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Revascularization rates, 30-day readmission rates, and primary cause of readmission were examined. Interaction between sex and revascularization was assessed. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of 30-day readmission and revascularization for both sexes. RESULTS: 219,944 women and 489,605 men were admitted with STEMIs. Women were more likely to be older, and have more comorbidities. Women were less likely to undergo revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.70) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (adjusted OR 0.40; CI 0.39-0.44). Women had higher 30-day readmission rates (15.7% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.001; OR 1.20, CI 1.17-1.23), and revascularization in women was not associated with a decreased likelihood of 30-day readmission. The primary cardiac cause of readmission in women was heart failure. CONCLUSION: Compared to men, women with STEMIs had lower rates of revascularization and higher rates of 30-day readmission. When revascularized, women were still more likely to be readmitted as compared to non-revascularized women.