Assessment of Atypical Cardiovascular Risk Factors Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Mexican Women

Background Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a health care problem in women that increases morbimortality, particularly in developing countries. There is limited information regarding atypical risk factors associated with IHD in Mexican women. AIM To explore risk factors in women that could contribute to IHD and myocardial dysfunction using the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion study (MPS). Methods We designed a cross-sectional study in which we evaluated atypical and typical risk factors using a clinical questionnaire. We performed a SPECT-MPS to evaluate the presence of ischemia/infarction, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic dyssynchrony and diastolic function by peak filling rate and time to peak filling rate. Results 172 women were included, 64 with IHD. Adverse events during pregnancy (premature birth and miscarriage), rheumatoid arthritis, gynecological conditions (menopause and age of first menstruation) and low educational level, together with previously known typical risk factors were associated with infarction or ischemia and ventricular dysfunction. Potential associated factors for systolic dyssynchrony were rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 0.95–8.66, p = 0.054) and history of premature birth (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01–0.66, p Conclusion The presence of atypical risk factors in women could lead to decreased myocardial function, particularly in women at risk of developing IHD.