BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcome in relation to sex in consecutive patients who were transported by an ambulance due to symptoms arousing suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. MATERIAL/METHODS: Our research involved all patients transported by ambulance over a 3-month period in the community of Göteborg due to such symptoms. The P-values were age adjusted. RESULTS: Of the 930 transported patients fulfilling the given criteria, 452 (49%) were of women. The women were older and had a lower incidence of previous acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and current smoking. Women less frequently had a final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (22.3% vs 36.6%; p