Sex Differences in Imaging for Structural Heart Disease: What is Normal for Women?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Transcatheter valve and structural interventions are rapidly advancing.
• Valvular heart disease prevalence is rising in women globally.
• Current imaging indices for referral in women are understudied and underused.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on disparities in imaging for women with valvular heart disease.
• To highlight the impact of understudied imaging on clinical practice for female patients.
• To address the lack of sex-specific recommendations in current guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on valvular heart disease in women.
• Analysis of current clinical trial data and guideline recommendations.
• Examination of imaging disparities and their clinical consequences.

Main Results:

• Optimal imaging indices for referral in women are not well-established.
• Inadequate sex-specific enrollment in clinical trials limits evidence for female patients.
• Current guidelines lack detailed sex-specific recommendations for management.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for sex-specific research in valvular heart disease imaging.
• Improved imaging strategies are essential for timely referral and optimal treatment in women.
• Addressing these disparities will enhance cardiovascular care for female patients.