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Sex differences in diagnosis and treatment of heart failure: toward precision medicine

Soo Yong Lee1, Seong-Mi Park2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.

The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
|March 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sex differences impact heart failure (HF) pathophysiology and drug responses. Current HF guidelines and drug dosages may not be suitable for women, necessitating sex-specific treatment approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Sex Differences in Medicine

Background:

  • Biological variations between sexes influence heart failure (HF) pathophysiology and drug interactions.
  • Physiological differences in cardiovascular systems and body composition affect drug efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing evidence on sex-related differences in heart failure.
  • To highlight the need for sex-specific guidelines in HF management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining sex-based disparities in HF.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data regarding drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and treatment outcomes.
  • Examination of epidemiological and prognostic data stratified by sex.

Main Results:

  • Significant sex-related differences exist in HF epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation.
  • Women are underrepresented in clinical trials and have lower device implantation rates.
  • Current HF medications and dosages, based on male-predominant data, may not be optimal for women.

Conclusions:

  • Existing heart failure guidelines lack sex-specific recommendations.
  • Sex-specific treatment strategies are crucial for optimizing HF care in women.
  • Further research is needed to address sex-based disparities in heart failure treatment and outcomes.

Keywords:
Heart failureSex differencesWomen

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