Coffee and tea contain methylxanthines, which cause
temporary increases in the natural production of
vasopressin, a hormone produced by the pituitary
gland. Vasopressin causes clumping of blood cells, and
the clumping is more pronounced in women than in
men. This is probably the explanation of the fact that
women face as much as a tenfold higher risk than men
do of complications following angioplasty, a technique
used to clear clogged arteries.
Which one of the following statements is most strongly
supported by the information above?
(A) Men, but not women, should be given
methylxanthines prior to undergoing
angioplasty.
(B) In spite of the risks, angioplasty is the only
effective treatment for clogged arteries.
(C) Women probably drink more coffee and tea, on
average, than do men.
(D) Prior to undergoing angioplasty, women should
avoid coffee and tea.
(E) Angioplasty should not be used to treat clogged
arteries.