Prevention of Heart Failure in Women: An Expert Consensus Statement on Sex-Specific Risk Factors

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Women's Health
• Reproductive Endocrinology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet conventional models often overlook sex-specific risk factors.
• Heart failure (HF) in women can be influenced by unique hormonal and pathological factors requiring specialized attention for effective prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive life-course roadmap for preventing and managing HF in women.
• To address HF risk associated with specific female conditions, including pregnancy, gynecological issues, and cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

• Expert consensus statement synthesizing current knowledge.
• Focus on specific life-course stages and conditions affecting women: pregnancy, gynecological conditions (PCOS, endometriosis, menopause), and cardio-oncology.
• Emphasis on sex-specific pathologies, risk factors, and tailored management strategies.

Main Results:

• Detailed guidance on managing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and preventing/treating Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM).
• Strategies for addressing HF risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and menopause, highlighting inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT).
• Recommendations for mitigating Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction (CTRCD) in breast and gynecological cancers, including early detection and cardioprotective treatments.

Conclusions:

• Effective HF prevention and management in women necessitate integrating sex-specific factors across the life course.
• Addressing conditions like hypertensive pregnancy disorders, PCOS, and cardiotoxicity from cancer treatments is crucial.
• Lifestyle interventions and targeted pharmacological strategies are key to improving cardiac health outcomes in women.