More women die every year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than from any other cause. Non-invasive cardiac stress testing is key to timely diagnosis and treatment of CVD. However, providers need to be aware of how testing accuracy differs between men and women. This article reviews the standard non-invasive tests available, the sensitivity and specificity of each test, and how to choose the most appropriate test for female patients. It also discusses several new testing modes on the horizon.
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
1Jennifer T. McCaffery, MSN, FNP, is a nurse practitioner at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
2Stephen A. Geraci, MD, is professor and vice chair of internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and chief of medicine at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center.
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