Cardiometabolic health in women: differences compared to men

Cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cerebrovascular disease, are among the leading causes of mortality in Latin America, with a significant impact on the female population. In Mexico, these conditions show a high and increasing prevalence, particularly among postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes that negatively affect endothelial function, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Abdominal obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes affect a substantial proportion of women, and tend to worsen with age. Female-specific factors such as menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy further increase cardiovascular risk. Hormonal transition influences the lipid profile by elevating markers such as lipoprotein (a), thereby increasing thrombotic risk. These sex-based differences in cardiovascular physiology, including heart size, electrical activity, and vascular response, necessitate a tailored approach to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Four key challenges are highlighted: recognizing pathophysiological differences, identifying risk factors during menopause, early detection and treatment of prediabetes and dyslipidemia, and strengthening primary healthcare with guidelines specifically designed for Mexican women.