How Can We Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Women and Improve Risk Stratification?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sex-Based Health Disparities
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Significant sex-based disparities exist in CVD awareness, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Women present unique biological and psychosocial risk factors often overlooked in standard assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the burden of CVD in women versus men.
• To determine if CVD risk factors differ between sexes in prevalence, impact, and prognosis.
• To assess the need for sex-specific risk stratification and earlier preventive strategies in women.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current data on sex-specific dimensions of cardiovascular disease.
• It addresses the prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic significance of CVD in women compared to men.
• The review examines the utility of sex-specific risk stratification tools and preventive strategies.

Main Results:

• CVD remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide.
• Sex-based disparities in CVD care persist despite medical advancements.
• Underrecognized, female-specific risk factors necessitate tailored approaches.

Conclusions:

• A sex-sensitive approach to CVD prevention and management is essential.
• Developing sex-specific risk tools and earlier interventions can improve outcomes for women.
• Revising traditional risk frameworks to include female-specific factors is key to closing the care gap.