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Sex-specific considerations in cardiovascular drug therapy
Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin1, Shuangbo Liu2, Lorrie A Kirshenbaum1,3
1The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|May 23, 2024
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatments need sex-specific adjustments. Understanding these sex-related pharmacological differences is key to optimizing therapies for both women and men.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Sex Differences in Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global cause of death.
- Current CVD drug therapy guidelines often overlook sex-specific differences.
- These differences impact drug efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sex-specific differences in cardiovascular drug therapies.
- To highlight the influence of sex on drug efficacy and CVD outcomes.
- To advocate for sex-informed treatment guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic variations between sexes.
- Examination of drugs commonly used for CVDs.
Main Results:
- Significant sex-based differences exist in drug metabolism, excretion, and protein binding.
- These variations influence how women and men respond to cardiovascular medications.
- Current guidelines may not adequately address these sex-specific factors.
Conclusions:
- Sex is a critical factor in cardiovascular drug efficacy and treatment outcomes.
- Optimizing CVD therapies requires acknowledging and integrating sex-specific differences.
- Development of tailored guidelines is essential for improved patient care.
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