The impact of gender difference on the effects of preinfarction angina on microvascular damage with reperfused myocardial infarction.

Background: Few studies have addressed gender differences in evoking preconditioning. In an experimental study, it was reported that the preconditioning effect disappeared after gonadectomy.

Objectives: We sought to determine the effects of preinfarction angina (PA) on myocardial damage using intravenous contrast echocardiography.