The complexity of cardiovascular risk in women. Descriptive review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in women globally.
• CVD in women is significantly understudied, under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.
• Existing disparities highlight a critical need for focused research and clinical attention on women's cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current state of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women.
• To identify critical knowledge gaps in CVD research, prevention, treatment, and access to care for women.
• To underscore the need for improved understanding and management of CVD in the female population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive literature review was conducted.
• The review encompassed numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 2000.
• Focus was placed on the spectrum of cardiovascular disease in women.

Main Results:

• Obstacles to improving CVD outcomes in women include a lack of effective screening tools due to low clinical trial participation.
• The complexity of the female physiology, including hormonal changes and hemodynamic stress during pregnancy, presents unique challenges.
• Undetected cardiometabolic risk factors in later life, often missed in primary care, further complicate management.

Conclusions:

• Effective strategies are needed to address inequalities in CVD diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for women.
• Innovative solutions for early detection and tailored management are essential.
• Clarifying sex-specific biological mechanisms and reducing the global burden of CVD in women are critical goals.