Consideration of Gender in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Sex and Gender in Medicine

Background:

• Heart disease remains the leading global cause of mortality, responsible for 17.9 million deaths yearly.
• Significant differences exist in how heart disease manifests and is treated between biological sexes and genders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical differences in heart disease presentation, evaluation, and management between men and women.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing sex and gender disparities in cardiovascular medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data from the World Health Organization.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and treatment approaches based on biological sex and gender identity.
• Examination of the impact of social determinants and modifiable risk factors.

Main Results:

• Men tend to develop heart disease at younger ages and present with more severe conditions.
• Women often experience heart disease later in life, with symptoms that can be more subtle and may involve microvascular issues.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers must be aware of gender-specific nuances in heart disease.
• Addressing social determinants and promoting modifiable risk factor reduction are essential for equitable cardiovascular disease prevention.