Women and Cardiovascular Health: Bridging the Gender Gap

Ladley Papa^*
*Correspondence: Ladley Papa, Department of Dietetics and Nutritional Science, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece, Email:

Introduction

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting both men and women. However, research has long overlooked gender disparities in CVD, resulting in underdiagnosis and under treatment of this condition in women. This article explores the unique aspects of cardiovascular health in women, the gender-specific risk factors, and the need to bridge the gender gap in cardiovascular care. By raising awareness and implementing gender-sensitive strategies in healthcare, we can improve outcomes for women and reduce the burden of CVD on society. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has been a persistent global health concern, responsible for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality. While it affects both men and women, research and clinical attention to the gender-specific aspects of CVD have lagged, leading to substantial disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Women, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to cardiovascular health, and addressing these disparities is crucial for improving overall public health [1].

Description

This article delves into the complex landscape of women's cardiovascular health, exploring the distinct risk factors, diagnostic challenges, and treatment considerations that contribute to the gender gap in CVD care. By shedding light on these issues, we aim to raise awareness and advocate for gender-sensitive strategies to bridge the gap and ensure that women receive equitable care for their cardiovascular health. Hormones play a significant role in cardiovascular health, and women experience fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout their life, particularly during menopause. Estrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system, promoting healthy blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. However, the decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of heart disease, making women more vulnerable in this life stage. While traditional risk factors for CVD such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity apply to both sexes, women can have additional risk factors that are specific to their gender. Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are unique to women and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems later in life [2].

Women often exhibit different symptoms of heart disease compared to men. While chest pain is a common symptom for both genders, women may experience atypical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and back or jaw pain. These differences in symptom presentation can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis [3]. Due to these variations in symptomatology and risk factors, women are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated for cardiovascular conditions. This disparity in care can have devastating consequences, as delayed treatment can lead to worse outcomes. Conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of developing CVD later in life. Women with a history of these conditions should receive specialized cardiovascular monitoring and care. Estrogen provides protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Thus, women who experience early menopause, either naturally or surgically, are at higher risk. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered for some women, but its risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated [4].

Women often experience unique psychosocial stressors that can impact their cardiovascular health. These may include caregiving responsibilities, relationship stress, and workplace discrimination. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when assessing CVD risk and providing support. Women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms of heart disease, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Healthcare providers need to be aware of these genderspecific symptom patterns and take them seriously. Women are less likely to undergo diagnostic tests such as coronary angiography and stress testing, even when they have symptoms suggestive of heart disease. This underutilization can be attributed to both patient and provider factors, including the misconception that CVD primarily affects men. Historically, clinical trials on heart disease have disproportionately included men, leading to a lack of gender-specific data. This bias has implications for the development of evidence-based treatments and guidelines that may not adequately address the needs of women [5].

Conclusion

The gender gap in cardiovascular care is a pressing issue that affects the health and well-being of women worldwide. Women's unique risk factors, atypical symptom presentation, and underdiagnosis contribute to disparities in outcomes. It is imperative that we bridge this gap by raising awareness, improving healthcare provider education, conducting inclusive research, and advocating for policy changes. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that women receive equitable care for their cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of CVD on society as a whole. Gender-sensitive strategies in healthcare are not just a matter of equality; they are a matter of life and death. Policymakers should advocate for policies that promote gender equity in healthcare, including increased funding for research into women's cardiovascular health and the development of gender-sensitive treatment guidelines. Empowering women to take charge of their cardiovascular health is essential. Encouraging regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and advocating for their symptoms can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

References

1. Cowan, Alexandra E., Shinyoung Jun, Jaime J. Gahche and Janet A. Tooze, et al. "Dietary supplement use differs by socioeconomic and health-related characteristics among US adults, NHANES 2011–2014." Nutrients 10 (2018): 1114.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Liguori, Ilaria, Gennaro Russo, Francesco Curcio and Giulia Bulli, et al. "Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases." Clin Interv Aging (2018): 757-772.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Wang, Lei and Zhong Yi. "Association of the Composite dietary antioxidant index with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: A prospective cohort study." Front Cardiovasc Med 9 (2022): 993930.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Hermsdorff, Helen Hermana M., Blanca Puchau, Ana Carolina P. Volp and Kiriaque BF Barbosa, et al. "Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely related to central adiposity as well as to metabolic and oxidative stress markers in healthy young adults." Nutr Metab 8 (2011): 1-8.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Kim, Kijoon, Terrence M. Vance, Ming-Hui Chen and Ock K. Chun. "Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease death of US adults." Eur J Nutr 57 (2018): 2469-2476.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at