Sex-specific differences in cardiac maladaptation to hypertension and arterial stiffening

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Symptomatic heart failure (HF) prevalence is comparable between sexes, representing a significant portion of initial cardiovascular disease diagnoses.
• A notable sex-based divergence exists in HF subtypes: men more commonly present with HF with reduced ejection fraction, while women disproportionately develop HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current epidemiological data on sex-based disparities in cardiac maladaptation.
• To explore the differing manifestations of heart failure (HF) in men and women.
• To examine the roles of hypertension and arterial stiffness in sex-specific HF development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological studies.
• Analysis of sex differences in heart failure prevalence and subtypes.
• Examination of the impact of hypertension and arterial stiffness on cardiac structure and function.

Main Results:

• Overall prevalence of symptomatic heart failure (HF) is similar in men and women.
• Women exhibit a higher frequency of HF with preserved ejection fraction compared to men.
• Men are more frequently diagnosed with HF with reduced ejection fraction.
• High blood pressure and arterial stiffness are identified as major risk factors for HF in both sexes.

Conclusions:

• Significant sex discrepancies exist in the type of heart failure (HF) developed, despite similar overall prevalence.
• Hypertension and arterial stiffness contribute to sex-specific cardiac maladaptations leading to HF.
• Further research into sex-specific mechanisms is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies for heart failure.