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Sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy

DeLisa Fairweather, Leslie T Cooper, Lori A Blauwet

    Current Problems in Cardiology
    |November 20, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    Sex hormones and genetic variations influence heart disease, impacting outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) between men and women. This review explores immune responses and emerging treatments for women with DCM.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Immunology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant global health issue.
    • Myocarditis is a primary cause of acute DCM, affecting both sexes.
    • Evidence indicates sex-based differences in DCM pathogenesis and prognosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To provide a contemporary overview of immune mediators in myocarditis.
    • To examine the influence of sex hormones on acute cardiac injury and chronic DCM risk.
    • To highlight knowledge gaps in managing acute DCM in women and discuss novel therapies.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current clinical and experimental evidence on myocarditis and DCM.
    • Analysis of the role of innate and adaptive immune responses.
    • Exploration of sex hormone and genetic variation impacts on DCM.

    Main Results:

    • Sex hormones modulate the heart's response to injury, influencing chronic DCM risk.
    • Genetic variations may contribute to epidemiological and survival differences between sexes.
    • Sex-specific factors affect left ventricular recovery and overall survival.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding sex differences in DCM is crucial for effective management.
    • Further research is needed on managing acute DCM in women.
    • Emerging therapies, like bromocriptine for peripartum cardiomyopathy, show promise.

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