Sex-Related Factors in Cardiovascular Complications Associated to COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Humanities and Social Sciences

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits heterogeneous clinical presentations and severity.
• A notable sex imbalance exists in COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, and mortality rates, with men disproportionately affected.
• This disparity is attributed to a complex interplay of biological sex-linked factors and gender-related behavioral influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the mechanisms underlying sex and gender influences on COVID-19 vulnerability.
• To examine the specific impact of sex and gender on cardiovascular manifestations associated with COVID-19.
• To highlight the importance of gender-specific medicine in tailoring COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on sex/gender differences in COVID-19.
• Analysis of the role of cardiovascular diseases in COVID-19 outcomes.
• Investigation of sex-dependent variations in COVID-19 biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Men exhibit higher susceptibility and mortality from COVID-19 compared to women.
• Cardiovascular diseases significantly influence COVID-19 prognosis, with sex and gender playing a role.
• Sex-dependent variability observed in certain biomarkers used for COVID-19 evaluation and prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Sex and gender significantly impact COVID-19 vulnerability, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
• Cardiovascular health and sex-specific biomarkers are critical considerations in managing COVID-19.
• Implementing gendered medicine approaches is essential for personalized COVID-19 care.