Changing clinical perspectives on sex and healthcare disparities in ischaemic heart disease
Journal
The Lancet Regional Health - Europe
Date Issued
2025-09
Author(s)
Maas, Angela
Cenko, Edina
Vaccarino, Viola
Göttgens, Irene
Bergami, Maria
Manfrini, Olivia
Badimon, Lina
Mendieta, Guiomar
Oertelt-Prigione, Sabine
Vasiljevic-Pokracic, Zorana
Dorobantu, Maria
Merkely, Bela
Gulati, Martha
Bugiardini, Raffaele
DOI
10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101370
Abstract
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has historically been under-researched in women, leading to significant gaps in understanding sex-specific risk factors and outcomes. To address this issue, The Lancet Regional Health–Europe convened experts from a broad range of countries to evaluate sex-related cardiovascular inequalities and propose recommendations to address these disparities. Despite developing IHD a decade later than men, women experience higher mortality rates. Global Burden of Disease data highlight persistent sex differences in IHD mortality, with women showing higher mortality despite lower prevalence. Factors such as psychosocial stress, reproductive health, and physical inactivity disproportionately impact women's cardiovascular health, while caregiving responsibilities and delayed healthcare access further exacerbate these disparities. There is an urgent need to recognize chest pain symptoms in women and to reduce the time lag between symptom onset and hospital presentation. Addressing these gaps requires targeted public health interventions, expanded research, and improved clinical practices, emphasizing equitable healthcare access and greater inclusion of women in clinical trials. Tailoring treatment guidelines to account for sex differences in outcomes could significantly improve survival rates for women with IHD.
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