Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease and Their Management: A Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Gender Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality.
• Notable differences exist between sexes regarding CVD symptoms, progression, and treatment.
• Existing research highlights gender disparities in CVD prevalence, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of gender disparities in cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the influence of hormonal, genetic, and physiological factors on sex-specific CVD outcomes.
• To examine how lifestyle, sociocultural factors, and traditional risk factors differ in relevance between genders.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on gender differences in CVD.
• It analyzes biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors contributing to these disparities.

Main Results:

• Gender disparities are evident in CVD risk factors, with varying importance of diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, and smoking between men and women.
• Hormonal influences, genetic predispositions, and physiological differences impact CVD presentation and progression.
• Age and conventional risk variables also exhibit distinct effects across genders.

Conclusions:

• Tailored strategies are necessary due to gender-specific factors influencing treatment efficacy.
• Early identification and management of gender-specific factors can prevent or delay CVD development.
• Further research into the complex interactions of structural, biochemical, and hormonal aspects across genders is essential for optimizing treatment and reducing CVD burden.