[Perioperative cardiovascular management in consideration of gender differences]

Several clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated gender differences in cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology. Male subjects have greater baroreflex sensitivity than female. Prolonged hypertensive reactions after adrenergic stimulation are observed in male patients. Although female subjects demonstrate low cardiac risk factors before menopause, elderly women have a higher prevalence of morbidity after coronary artery bypass surgery. In experimental articles, female sex steroids appear to exhibit immunoprotective properties following trauma and severe blood loss. Gender difference, thus, is an essential factor for tailor-made medicine. Further investigations are necessary to establish the better cardiovascular management in consideration of gender differences.