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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Pharmacodissection Approach to Uncover Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Populations
Published on: July 21, 2023
Influence of Sex on Therapeutic Adherence in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review
Guillermo Moreno1,2, Blanca Moreno-Ferreiro1, Carla Pérez-Ingidua1,3
1Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Sex differences exist in cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment adherence, particularly for hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Further research is needed to understand factors influencing non-adherence in both males and females.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Sex and Gender in Medicine
Background:
- Females with cardiovascular disease (CVD) face unique challenges, including misdiagnosis and sex-related psychosocial risk factors.
- These factors can impact treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.
- Understanding sex differences in CVD secondary prevention is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sex differences in adherence to secondary prevention measures for cardiovascular disease.
- To assess risk prediction factors related to adherence in male and female CVD patients.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Articles published within the last five years, in English or Spanish, focusing on CVD patients were selected.
- PRISMA guidelines and the CASPe questionnaire were used for study selection and bias assessment.
Main Results:
- Thirteen articles were included in the review.
- Medication adherence for hypertension showed ranges of 25-83% in males and 24-80% in females.
- Adherence to physical activity varied, with ranges of 21-72% in males and 14-72% in females.
- Predictive factors for adherence included older age, comorbidities, and psychosocial aspects.
Conclusions:
- Evidence indicates sex differences in medication adherence for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
- Further investigation is necessary to identify specific factors contributing to non-adherence in different sexes.
- Tailored interventions may be required to improve secondary prevention adherence in cardiovascular disease patients.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Females with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are often misdiagnosed, and they have sex-related psychosocial risk factors that pose specific health risks and affect their adherence to treatment. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in adherence to, and risk prediction for, secondary prevention measures in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. A search strategy was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Articles were selected according to PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published within the last five years involving patients with cardiovascular disease and written in English or Spanish. Bias was assessed using the CASPe questionnaire. This project has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository under the DOI code 10.17605/OSF.IO/GYDZF. Results: Thirteen articles were retrieved. For hypertension, medication adherence ranges from 25% to 83% in males and from 24% to 80% in females. For ischemic heart disease, the range is 32-74% in males and 32-60% in females. Adherence to physical activity ranges from 21% to 72% in males and 14% to 72% in females. Predictive factors include older age, increased comorbidity, and psychosocial aspects. Conclusions: There is evidence of sex differences in medication adherence for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. However, further research is required to identify the factors that predispose individuals to non-adherence.
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