[Gender differences in vascular medicine]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Gender Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on gender differences in vascular diseases, their progression, and treatment.
• Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are distributed differently between men and women, with women, particularly diabetic women, facing elevated risks.
• Smoking exacerbates risks in women, and conditions like hypoplastic aortoiliac syndrome present unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight existing gender disparities in vascular medicine.
• To underscore the unique risk profiles and disease trajectories observed in women.
• To call for further investigation into gender-specific aspects of vascular disease management and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on gender differences in vascular diseases.
• Analysis of risk factor distribution and disease progression in men versus women.
• Examination of treatment outcomes, complications, and therapeutic benefits across genders.

Main Results:

• Women with peripheral arterial disease have a high risk of cardiovascular mortality and experience more periprocedural complications.
• Vascular disease is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage in women.
• Men with asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis show greater surgical benefit than women due to higher stroke risk in women, which is offset by procedural complication rates.
• Women receive less frequent revascularization, guideline therapy, and thromboembolic prophylaxis compared to men.
• Women experience more side effects from pharmacotherapy due to metabolic differences and are underrepresented in clinical drug studies.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender bias exists in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of vascular diseases.
• Women represent a high-risk population requiring specialized attention in vascular medicine.
• Further research is crucial to address gender disparities and improve care for women with vascular conditions.