Cardiovascular disease, surgery and outcomes in women: are they any different

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for women worldwide and continues to be a major determinant of significant morbidity. Several studies have investigated the marked differences in diagnosis, treatment and etiology in cardiovascular disease and how it relates to gender. In this review, several key studies highlight the stark differences and bring light to the disparity and potential opportunities for further research.

One noted area of gender disparity is ischemic cardiac disease as it relates to surgical management. Women have historically had delays in diagnosis, inferior surgical revascularization techniques, and inadequate postoperative care when compared to men.

By highlighting the disparities in cardiovascular ischemic care, the hope is to bring attention and future research to a population group that is currently undertreated for their ischemic disease and suffering high mortality rates.