Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are responsible for nearly a third of all deaths globally. In recent years, gender-based disparity in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs has come into focus.

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, CVDs continue to be more prevalent in men than women. Through this research, we aim to highlight the gender gap in CVD and analyze its causes and consequences.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. The most common types of CVDs include coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and stroke.

These conditions arise when the blood vessels become narrow or blocked, leading to inadequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart or other organs.

Gender Disparity in the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease

CVDs are more prevalent in men at all ages, but particularly after the age 55. Age-specific mortality rates for CVDs are higher in men than women in almost all countries worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, CVDs were responsible for 17.9 million deaths, of which 9.2 million were men, accounting for more than half of the global CVD-related deaths.

The higher prevalence of CVDs in men can be attributed to a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, differences in lifestyle, and the effects of sex hormones. However, the disparities should not undermine the burden of CVDs on women.

In fact, CVDs account for 8.6 million deaths in women, which is three times higher than deaths caused by breast cancer.

Why Are Women Disadvantaged in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease?

Several factors contribute to the gender gap in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. Here are some of the challenges that women face in managing CVDs:.

1. Under-Representation in Clinical Trials

Until recently, women were under-represented in clinical trials for CVDs, which led to gender-based differences in the management of CVDs.

Most of the conclusions drawn from these trials were based on the characteristics of men, and the same therapies were applied to women, even though they may have shown different responses.

2. Differences in Symptom Presentation

Women tend to exhibit different symptoms of CVDs, such as shortness of breath, indigestion, fatigue, and pain in the neck, jaw, or back. These symptoms are often overlooked, leading to delayed or inaccurate diagnosis.

Men, on the other hand, typically present with chest pain or discomfort, which are easier to recognize and diagnose.

3. Socioeconomic Factors

Women tend to have lower socioeconomic status than men, which may affect their access to health care services and the quality of care they receive.

Women, particularly those from low-income countries, may lack the resources necessary to manage CVDs, such as healthy food options, physical activity, and access to medication.

4. Gender Bias in Healthcare Professionals

The bias against women in the healthcare system is prevalent, which affects the quality of care they receive. Women may not be taken seriously by healthcare professionals or may be misdiagnosed due to gender stereotyping.

The Consequences of Gender Disparity in CVDs

The gender gap in CVDs has far-reaching consequences, from increased morbidity and mortality to economic and social implications. Here are some of the consequences of gender disparity in CVDs:.

1. Increased Mortality

Gender-based differences in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs lead to increased mortality in women. Women are more likely to die from CVDs than men, and the mortality rate for women with CVDs has not decreased over the years, unlike that of men.

2. Economic Implications

CVDs have significant economic implications, from the cost of treatment to lost productivity and decreased quality of life.

The gender gap in CVDs leads to more economic burden on women, who may have to leave their jobs to manage their health or care for a sick family member.

3. Social Implications

The gender gap in CVDs has social implications as well. CVDs are often associated with older men, leading to the misconception that women are not as affected, which may discourage women from seeking help or taking preventive measures.

Conclusion

The gender disparity in the prevalence and management of CVDs is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.

Healthcare professionals need to be trained to recognize and diagnose CVDs in women, and women need to be encouraged to take preventive measures, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and regular check-ups. Clinical trials need to include more women to ensure that therapies and treatments are effective for all genders. Finally, policymakers need to address socioeconomic factors that affect access to healthcare and healthy living options.