Gender aspects in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and men worldwide, and, especially as far as coronary heart disorders are concerned, this is true of an increasing number of older and elderly persons. For decades, Gender Medicine research has shown gender differences in cardiology to the detriment of women, for example it takes longer for them to receive and they are less likely to have access to high-tech medicine, such as the ICU, heart catheters, bypass surgery, and they have a poorer outcome. Meanwhile, numerous scientific studies and awareness campaigns have been conducted. However, the more recent publications still show the same trends, albeit at a decreasing rate. Thanks to the emphasis placed on prevention and, thus, also the attention called to the leading heart risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, blood lipids, diabetes mellitus and overweight, namely for women and men, heart death is no longer exclusively male. In order to promote equal opportunity, Gender Medicine must be further implemented in medical training and post-graduate training, and-above all-the scientific findings concerning Gender Medicine must be incorporated into the guidelines of our professional societies.