# Effect of gender on spect myocardial perfusion imaging results in Egypt

## TL;DR

The study found that men in Egypt are more likely to have positive myocardial perfusion imaging results compared to women, highlighting gender differences in ischemic heart disease diagnosis.

## Contribution

This study identifies a significant gender effect on myocardial perfusion imaging outcomes in an Egyptian population.

## Key findings

- Male gender was associated with a tenfold increased risk of positive MPI results.
- Female patients with positive MPI were younger compared to male patients.
- Diabetes and age were strong predictors of positive MPI results.

## Abstract

Globally, Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is considered a leading cause of mortality and morbidity affecting men than women. The more the population ages, the more the prevalence. There was a concern about improper referral of women to MPI testing. We aimed to study if there a gender effect on the results of MPI studies and if this could have an impact on future referral or investigation selection for diagnosis of IHD as a general or specially in women.

Female gender represented 266 (60%) while male represented in 177 (40%). Males demonstrated significantly higher age (55 ± 10 vs. 49 ± 9, P < .0001), weight (85 ± 11 vs. 83 ± 13, P = 0.006), height (166 ± 4 vs. 165 ± 4, P = 0.02), and smoking (35% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) than females. Male gender was associated with ten times increased risk of positive MPI (OR = 10, 95% CI = 5.348–18.868, P < 0.001). Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of positive MPI (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.052–3.148, P = 0.032).

Positive MPI test are more common in males. Female patients with positive MPI were younger in age than male patients. Diabetes mellitus and age are traditional strong predictors for the presence of positive MPI test.