The portrayal of women with “big hearts” in popular culture often evokes admiration, but cardiologists have a very different perspective, which carries serious implications for women’s health. Women’s cardiovascular systems are distinct from men’s in several key ways, yet traditional medical research and treatment have often overlooked these differences. Women generally have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels compared to men, which can significantly affect how their cardiovascular systems respond to both disease and treatment.
This anatomical disparity means that cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death for women globally, often present differently and progress more rapidly in women than in men. For example, women are more likely to experience atypical heart attack symptoms, making it harder for healthcare providers to recognize and treat them effectively. In addition, women’s smaller blood vessels can complicate procedures like angioplasty, which involves inserting a balloon to open blocked arteries. If the tools and techniques used in these procedures are not designed with women’s anatomical differences in mind, it can lead to poorer outcomes.
The growing body of evidence highlighting these disparities has sparked a movement within the medical community to tailor cardiovascular care to the specific needs of women. This includes developing diagnostics that take into account women’s distinct physiology and ensuring that medical device trials are inclusive of female participants. Historically, clinical trials for cardiovascular devices and medications have predominantly included male participants, which has contributed to a lack of data on how these treatments perform in women. To address this, there is now a greater push to include women in clinical trials to ensure treatments are safe and effective for both genders.
By recognizing and addressing these gender-based differences in cardiovascular care, we can improve outcomes for women, ensuring they receive the most effective treatments for their unique needs.
