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Review
. 2023 Apr;20(2):121-128.
doi: 10.1007/s11897-023-00593-2. Epub 2023 Feb 18.

Sex Differences in Acute Heart Failure Management: Is There a Gap in Treatment Quality?

Elena Collado-Lledó  1   2 , Francisco de la Cuerda  1   2 , Albert Ariza-Solé  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Sex Differences in Acute Heart Failure Management: Is There a Gap in Treatment Quality?

Elena Collado-Lledó et al. Curr Heart Fail Rep. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Differences between men and women in demographics and clinical phenotype of heart failure have previously been described, as well as disparities in management and outcomes. This review summarizes the latest evidence concerning sex-related differences in acute heart failure and its most severe form, cardiogenic shock.

Recent findings: Data from the last 5 years reaffirm the previous observations, with women with acute heart failure being older, more often having preserved ejection fraction and less frequently having an ischemic cause of the acute decompensation. Despite women still receive less invasive procedures and a less optimized medical treatment, the most recent studies find similar outcomes regardless of sex. These disparities persist in the context of cardiogenic shock, where women receive less mechanical circulatory support devices even if they present with more severe forms. This review reveals a different clinical picture of women with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock compared to men, which translates into disparities in management. More female representation in studies would be needed in order to better understand the physiopathological basis of these differences and minimize inequalities in treatment and outcomes.

Keywords: Acute heart failure; Cardiogenic shock; Mechanical circulatory support; Sex differences.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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