Translational Perspectives on Cardiac Diseases Disproportionately Affecting Women
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Significant knowledge gaps persist on cardiovascular conditions that predominantly, disproportionately, or only affect women. Historically overshadowed by the focus on obstructive coronary artery disease, conditions such as myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy have only recently gained research attention, despite substantial prevalence and impact among women. Similarly, coronary microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina, long dismissed as symptoms of psychological origin, are now recognized as common and underdiagnosed mechanisms of chest pain. Disparities in research also extend to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, disproportionately affecting more women, and with comparable impacts on prognosis and quality of life, yet poorly understood compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Moreover, female hypertension is underestimated, underdiagnosed, and understudied. Furthermore, pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy underscore the urgent need for research into sex-specific mechanisms and targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings. This review consolidates knowledge on cardiovascular conditions with pronounced sex differences, focusing on translational discoveries that direct current strategies, but most of all, emphasizing the need for future research to bridge the gap between mechanistic insights and clinical application. By identifying knowledge gaps, this article provides a road map for advancing sex-specific understanding and care in cardiovascular disease, ensuring progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Bridging the sex gap in cardiac research and care requires a multidisciplinary, globally inclusive approach. By integrating knowledge of biological, clinical, and sociocultural perspectives, we can move toward equitable and effective cardiovascular health for all.
Institutions: University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, African Population and Health Research Center, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Statens Serum Institut, Aalborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yale University, University of Southern Denmark, Erasmus MC, Erasmus MC Hart en Vaat Instituut, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Language: English
Topic: Sex and Gender in Healthcare
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,810
Funders: Yale University, Universiteit Utrecht, Aalborg Universitet, Karolinska Institutet, Universitetet i Oslo, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, Göteborgs Universitet, Syddansk Universitet, University of Cape Town, African Population and Health Research Center, Sahlgrenska Akademin, Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam
OpenAlex ID: W7214365056