Laura P. Kimble|Deborah B. McGuire|Sandra B. Dunbar|Sharon Fazio|Anindya K. De|William S. Weintraub|Ora S Strickland
Gender differences in pain characteristics of chronic stable angina and perceived physical limitation in patients with coronary artery disease
Emory University|University of Pennsylvania|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University
chronic stable angina pectoris chest pain associated reversible myocardial ischemia detrimental effects healthrelated quality life particularly women limited research gender differences chronic stable angina suggests angina may experienced differently women women report greater functional disability related angina symptoms studies examined gender differences chronic stable angina multidimensional pain perspective included reliable valid measures pain would facilitate comparing chronic angina patients chronic pain populations purpose descriptive study examine gender differences characteristics chronic stable angina using shortform mcgill pain questionnaire sfmpq explore relationships among pain characteristics perceived limitation performing physical activities patients coronary artery disease cad physical limitation subscale seattle angina questionnaire one hundred twentyeight subjects 305 women stable cad angina pectoris documented cardiologist completed study questionnaires outpatient cardiology clinic results study suggest men women chronic stable angina similarities differences chest pain characteristics significant gender differences demonstrated total sensory affective intensity scores present pain intensity index number pain words chosen however women report significantly greater pain intensity sfmpq visual analogue scale women also significantly likely describe chronic angina hotburning tender greater intensity pain two descriptors despite similarities pain characteristics women reported greater physical limitation related anginal pain variables social status years diagnosed cad significantly interacted gender predicting physical limitation suggesting genderspecific models physical limitation angina patients need explored knowledge one first studies assessed chronic anginal pain using reliable valid generic pain instrument research needed better understand nature gender differences functional limitation secondary anginal pain physiologic cognitiveperceptual psychosocial mechanisms lead anginarelated functional disability