Why We Need Specialised Centres for Women's Hearts: Changing the Face of Cardiovascular Care for Women

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of mortality in women.
• Despite increased research, women experience poorer CVD outcomes compared to men.
• Existing cardiovascular care for women remains suboptimal, highlighting significant disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the necessity and function of specialized women's heart centers (WHCs).
• To outline sex-specific gaps in cardiovascular disease (CVD) care for women.
• To provide guidance on essential components for establishing effective WHCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on CVD in women.
• Analysis of sex-specific risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology.
• Examination of current treatment, prevention strategies, and care inequities.

Main Results:

• Women with CVD consistently have worse outcomes than men.
• Specialized women's heart centers (WHCs) are emerging globally to address these disparities.
• WHCs facilitate a comprehensive, lifespan approach to women's cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• WHCs are crucial for addressing the global disparities in cardiovascular care for women.
• Establishing WHCs requires understanding and addressing sex-specific gaps in CVD.
• These specialized centers offer a model for improving cardiovascular outcomes in women across all life stages.