The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Women's Health
• Medical Research

Background:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women globally.
• Historically, research has overlooked sex and gender differences in cardiovascular disease.
• Limited understanding of unique risks and symptoms in women contributes to knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of cardiovascular research in Canada focusing on women.
• To highlight persistent knowledge gaps in women's heart health across various domains.
• To emphasize the need for sex- and gender-specific approaches in cardiovascular research and practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing cardiovascular research in Canada.
• Analysis of literature concerning epidemiology, presentation, management, and outcomes of heart disease in women.
• Identification of gaps in preclinical, clinical research, and data analysis regarding sex and gender.

Main Results:

• Significant knowledge gaps identified in women's heart health research and publications.
• Historical exclusion of female participants and sex/gender analysis in cardiovascular studies.
• Suboptimal treatment and understanding of heart disease mechanisms in women due to data limitations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing knowledge gaps in women's heart health is critical for improving cardiovascular outcomes.
• A multipronged approach involving education, policy change, and evidence-based research is necessary.
• Enhanced awareness and training for healthcare providers are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.