Distribution of cardiac diseases according to age groups in female patients hospitalized in the cardiology clinic

Objective: It is known that cardiovascular diseases are common in the female population and increase mortality and morbidity rates. It is thought that cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to fatal outcomes in women, are recognized later and treatment and follow-up steps are inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of cardiac diseases according to age groups in female patients hospitalized in the Cardiology Clinic of Harran University Hospital. Method: This study was planned as a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. The population of the study consisted of female patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized and followed up in the cardiology clinic between 01.07.2018-31.12.2022. 2013 women were included in the study. It was conducted on people who met the inclusion criteria as of 05/09/2023. The data form created by the researchers by reviewing the literature was used to obtain the data. Archival data of women with cardiac disease who were hospitalized and followed up were recorded and analyzed with SPSS 20.0 statistical package program. Statistical alpha significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The study included 754 (37.45%) patients younger than 55 years and 1256 (62.55%) patients older than 55 years. There was a significant difference in urea (p<0.001), creatinine (p<0.001, potassium (p<0.001) and glucose (p<0.001) values between patients under and over 55 years of age, with higher values in the older group. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of platelet value (p<0.001) and the values were higher in the young group. The most common hospitalization diagnosis in young patients was coronary artery disease (CAD) (65.1%) and the second most common diagnosis was arrhythmia (12.6%). In the older patient group, the most common hospitalization diagnosis was CAD (67.9%) followed by heart failure (14.1%) (p<0.001) When the diagnoses of the patients according to the hospitalization period were examined, it was observed that the rates of hospitalization due to arrhythmia, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and myocarditis increased in recent years (p<0.001). There was a X difference between the hospitalization rates in the 1st and 3rd periods according to the diagnosis of CAD, and the rate of hospitalization with a diagnosis of CAD in the 1st period was found to be significantly lower than in the 3rd period (p<0.000). In the 55+ age group, there was a significant difference between the age groups according to the hospitalization periods and it was found that the hospitalization rate increased in the 55+ age group in the 3rd period (<0.003). When the mortality rates were analyzed, the most common cause was CAD, followed by heart failure. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, coronary artery diseases were the most common reason for hospitalization in patients under 55 years of age. The elevated platelet value found in the under 55 age group was found to be significant compared to the older age group and it was thought to be associated with increased CVD risk. It is recommended that CVD risk screening in women should be performed by health professionals in primary care from an early age, and women should be well aware of their specific risk factors and protect themselves through lifestyle changes such as exercise, smoking cessation, and proper eating habits. Keywords: Cardiovascular, Coronary Artery Disease, Young Age, Risk, Women