Gender Differences in Clinical Practice Regarding Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Emily Caitlin Lily Knox1,2, Inmaculada Mateo-Rodríguez1,2,3, Antonio Daponte-Codina1,2
1Andalusian School of Public Health, 18011 Granada, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 17, 2025
Summary
This systematic review found that females with coronary heart disease (CHD) face disadvantages in treatment across various categories. More research is needed to understand the reasons for these sex-based healthcare inequalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Health Services Research
- Sex Differences in Medicine
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) affects millions globally, with treatment disparities potentially impacting outcomes.
- Understanding sex differences in healthcare is crucial for equitable patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze sex-based differences in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To identify inequalities in therapeutic measures provided to female versus male patients with CHD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published between January 2011 and November 2023 was conducted.
- Searched the Web of Science database, including 80 articles representing over 560 million data points.
- Followed PRISMA guidelines and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Main Results:
- The majority of selected studies indicated that females experienced disadvantages in all analyzed treatment categories for CHD.
- Inequalities were observed in pharmacological treatments, invasive interventions, and rehabilitation programs.
- Data encompassed a large sample size, strengthening the findings on sex-based disparities.
Conclusions:
- Evidence consistently points to healthcare inequalities disadvantaging females with CHD.
- There is a significant gap in research exploring the underlying mechanisms and reasons for these identified sex differences in treatment.
- Further investigation is warranted to address and rectify these disparities in CHD care for women.
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