This study tests the hypothesis that, given the absence of financial b
arriers to major coronary procedures in Quebec, women are as likely as
men to undergo such procedures. The use of coronary procedures in 33
940 patients with ischemic heart disease, admitted during 1 year to 78
Quebec hospitals, was analyzed. The male-to-female age- and severity-
adjusted odds ratios for the use of these procedures were 1.47 for dia
gnostic procedures, 1.38 for therapeutic procedures, and 1.26 for diag
nostic and therapeutic procedures. These results suggest that differen
ces in the use of coronary procedures by sex are influenced by factors
other than financial accessibility.