Gender Differences in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women globally, majority of which are due to ischemic heart disease. Despite the recent advances in the overall management of CVD, there are unique challenges in the diagnosis and management of women as well as poorer outcomes.

Recent findings: Women with ischemic cardiomyopathy experience significant morbidity and mortality. Differences in underlying pathology, delays in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment as well as the under-representation of women in clinical trials contribute to these poor outcomes. In this review, we discuss the nuances of gender-specific differences in the burden, clinical presentation, and outcomes of ischemic cardiomyopathy in women, in addition to discussion of areas needing further research.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease; Gender; Gender disparities; Heart failure; Ischemic cardiomyopathy; Women.