Monocyte proinflammatory cytokine release is higher and glucocorticoid sensitivity is lower in middle aged men than in women independent of cardiovascular risk factors

A 58 year old woman with hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and family history of coronary heart disease presented with a five year history of exertional chest discomfort, relieved by rest and nitrate administration. Coronary angiography demonstrated a single left coronary ostium (aortography confirmed absence of right coronary artery), left circumflex artery was dominant, …