Public Awareness of Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Population Study

Sex differences in the pathophysiology, symptoms, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasingly recognized. However, public awareness of these sex-specific differences remains underexplored, particularly in Asian populations.

This study evaluated public perceptions of sex differences in CVD and identified sociodemographic predictors of CVD awareness in a nationally representative Korean sample.

We conducted a nationwide, stratified, cross-sectional survey of 2,003 adults (aged 20-80 years) in July 2025. Participants were recruited via a proportional allocation method based on age, sex, and region. Awareness of sex differences in CVD symptoms, risk factors, and treatment outcomes was assessed.

Among 2,003 participants (mean age 49.5 years; 50.0% women), only 39.7% demonstrated high perception of sex differences in CVD. Sex-specific knowledge-including female-specific risk factors, angina-equivalent symptoms, and treatment differences-was significantly lower in the low-perception group (P < 0.001). Higher household income (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.00-2.12) and family history of CVD (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.50-2.26) were associated with high perception. Unemployment was an independent risk factor for low perception. Female sex was not associated with greater awareness.

Public awareness of sex-specific characteristics of CVD remains low in both sexes in Korea, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role. Women did not demonstrate greater awareness of sex-specific cardiovascular risks than men. Targeted sex-sensitive education for socioeconomically vulnerable groups is needed to close this gap and improve cardiovascular outcomes.