Cardiac Surgery in Women in the Current Era: What Are the Gaps in Care?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Women's Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death for women globally.
• Nearly half of women over 20 have some form of CVD, with historically worse outcomes after cardiac surgery.
• Sex significantly impacts CVD pathogenesis, presentation, and surgical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current cardiovascular surgery outcomes for women.
• To identify persistent sex disparities in CVD research, surgical referral, and outcomes.
• To propose strategies for closing these gaps and address cardiac surgery in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article.
• It synthesizes current literature on sex differences in cardiovascular surgery.
• It analyzes data on outcomes, disparities, and special populations like pregnant women.

Main Results:

• Women historically experience higher morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery.
• Evidence suggests ongoing sex disparities in research, referral patterns, and surgical outcomes.
• Cardiac surgery in pregnant women presents unique challenges and considerations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing sex disparities is crucial to improve cardiovascular surgery outcomes for women.
• Further research and targeted strategies are needed to ensure equitable care.
• Special attention must be given to the unique needs of pregnant women with CVD undergoing surgery.