Women's cardiovascular health in 2025: Advancements achieved, challenges ahead

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary global cause of death in women.
• Emerging research highlights sex-specific risk factors, including pregnancy complications, premature menopause, and autoimmune diseases.
• Female-predominant syndromes like ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are gaining recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the importance of women's cardiovascular health as a research and clinical priority.
• To review novel therapies, updated guidelines, and the role of psychosocial determinants and reproductive history.
• To address disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trial representation for women, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature and clinical guidelines.
• Analysis of sex-specific risk factors and female-predominant cardiovascular syndromes.
• Examination of global and regional disparities in women's cardiovascular care, with a focus on Saudi Arabia.

Main Results:

• Women's cardiovascular health is influenced by unique factors like pregnancy complications and autoimmune diseases.
• Despite progress, women are underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in clinical trials.
• Significant disparities exist in Saudi Arabia, linked to high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Closing the gaps in women's cardiovascular health necessitates dedicated sex-specific research.
• Equitable access to evidence-based care and rehabilitation is crucial for all women.
• Integrating women's cardiovascular health into national strategies, like Saudi Vision 2030, is essential for progress.