Disparities in Cardiac Care of Women: Current Data and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The goal of this review is to address known disparities in cardiovascular care with regard to diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women.

Recent findings: Gender-specific differences in regard to the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of common cardiovascular pathology are increasingly recognized. Particular attention to ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and structural heart disease are reviewed in this article. There is a clear racial and ethnic discrepancy among women which is particularly concerning with a progressively diverse patient population. Medical and surgical treatment differences between men and women must be addressed by providers in order to optimize long-term outcomes among all patients. Understanding the unique cardiovascular risk profile and barriers to optimal treatment outcomes in women is imperative to eliminate the current disparities in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Cardiovascular disease; Congestive heart failure; Ischemic heart disease; Women’s health.