Cardiovascular drugs: the urgent need for studies in women

Most clinical decisions about the choice and dosage of drugs given to women with cardiovascular disease are based on studies that were conducted predominantly or exclusively on middle-aged men. Gender differences, when examined, suggest that the hormonal status, older age, and lesser body mass of women, among other features, may be important contributors to the variability in drug levels, efficacy, side effects, and toxicity. Gender-related considerations in pharmacotherapeutic research have the potential to improve the treatment of women with cardiovascular illness.