Sex-specific differences in access and response to medical and device therapies in heart failure: State of the art

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020 Sep-Oct;63(5):640-648. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.09.004. Epub 2020 Sep 26.

Abstract

Women with heart failure (HF) are more symptomatic than their male counterparts. Despite deriving similar benefits from both medical and devices therapies, women continue to be underrepresented in clinic trials. Important sex-based disparities exist in enrollment in clinical trials and access to medical and device-based therapies, in part stemming from differences in medical and psychosocial comorbidities. Disparities in access to beneficial interventions likely contribute to the greater symptom burden identified in women with HF. Improved focus on the enrollment of women in clinical trials will allow a better understanding of the underpinnings of these disparities and improve the care of women with HF.

Keywords: Clinical trial enrollment; Heart failure; Sex-based disparities; Socioeconomic disparities; Symptoms; Women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices* / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable* / adverse effects
  • Exercise Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Heart Failure / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recovery of Function
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Determinants of Health*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left / drug effects

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents