[WOMEN'S CARDIAC HEALTH - FROM THEORY TO ACTIVISM]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Awareness of CVD risk, diagnosis, and treatment is increasing, yet women remain less informed about their specific risks.
• Women's unique life stages, including reproductive years and menopause, significantly impact future CVD risk, often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underrecognized cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in women.
• To emphasize the importance of considering female-specific factors in CVD prevention and treatment.
• To underscore the gender-specific nature of CVD clinical presentation and management.

Main Methods:

• This study reviews existing literature on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women.
• It analyzes the impact of female-specific physiological and lifestyle factors on CVD risk.
• The review examines gender differences in CVD symptoms, pathogenesis, and treatment responses.

Main Results:

• Women's CVD risk is significantly influenced by factors unique to their physiology and life stages, such as pregnancy complications and menopause.
• Oral contraceptives, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors contribute to CVD risk in women.
• Gender-specific differences exist in CVD clinical course, symptoms, underlying mechanisms, and responses to medications.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to increase women's awareness of their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.
• Integrating female-specific health considerations into primary and secondary CVD prevention strategies is essential.
• Recognizing and addressing gender-specific aspects of CVD is vital for optimizing patient outcomes.