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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Heart failure in women.
J Julia Shin1, Eman Hamad, Sandhya Murthy
1Division of Cardiology, Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center, Bronx, New York, USA. jushin@montefiore.org
Clinical Cardiology
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Women are underrepresented in heart failure (HF) clinical trials, leading to gaps in understanding gender-specific pathophysiology and treatment. More research is needed to address these sex-based differences in HF care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) prevalence is rising globally, affecting men and women equally.
- Significant underrepresentation of women in large-scale HF clinical trials exists.
- This disparity hinders understanding of gender-based differences in HF pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing gaps in knowledge regarding gender-based differences in heart failure.
- To explore the biological basis for sex-specific outcomes in HF.
- To highlight the need for increased female participation in HF clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gender differences in heart failure.
- Analysis of the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen in HF outcomes.
- Examination of sex-specific HF syndromes during pregnancy and in transplant/mechanical support contexts.
Main Results:
- Endogenous estrogen significantly influences HF epidemiology and outcomes.
- Exogenous estrogen administration has shown varied treatment success.
- Unique HF presentations occur during pregnancy, with distinct sex-specific considerations for transplant and mechanical circulatory support.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for greater female recruitment in heart failure clinical trials.
- Further research is essential to elucidate the role of gender-based biology in optimizing HF treatment strategies.
- Addressing these sex-based disparities is crucial for improving HF care for all patients.
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