Severity and distribution of coronary artery disease in lebanese patients undergoing coronary angiography: Impact of gender and age on angiographic characteristics, a cross-sectional study

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study is the first in Lebanon to evaluate gender- and age-related differences in the angiographic patterns and clinical characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD). This descriptive, multicenter, cross-sectional study included Lebanese patients presenting with acute coronary symptoms and angiographically confirmed CAD who underwent coronary angiography between January 2021 and February 2022. Data were obtained through patient interviews and comprehensive review of medical records, including coronary angiography findings, echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular systolic function, and laboratory data. Patients were stratified by gender and by age into younger (≤55 years) and older (>55 years) groups. The study included 212 patients with CAD (51.4% male; mean age 60.6 years). Male patients more frequently had prior angina, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization and exhibited more severe coronary lesions, particularly involving the left anterior descending artery. Among patients with multivessel disease (MVD), males had a greater extent of coronary involvement. Younger patients more often reported a family history of CAD, whereas older patients had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, prior ischemic events, coronary interventions, heart failure, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Gender and age are associated with distinct angiographic patterns of CAD, as well as differences in related clinical characteristics. Male gender is linked to more extensive coronary disease, while older age is associated with greater comorbidity burden and impaired ventricular function. Awareness of these differences may support improved risk stratification and individualized management of CAD.