Geschlechterspezifische Aspekte kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women. Through clinical and scientific exploration in gender medicine, there has been significant progress in understanding sex and gender differences in the prevalence, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of cardiovascular diseases. It is evident that cardiovascular diseases do not uniformly manifest in women and men, showcasing disparities in anatomy, prevalence, etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, course, response to treatment and outcome. Thus, a nuanced, sex-specific approach becomes imperative. Treatment recommendations regarding the management of cardiovascular diseases in current guidelines generally include only a few differences between the sexes. This is partly due to insufficient evidence as women are often underrepresented in the studies. This position paper by the German Cardiac Society aims to spotlight sex-specific considerations within various specialized cardiological disciplines. By consolidating existing scientific evidence it offers insights into addressing differences in symptoms, diagnosis and treatment among men and women. The goal is to provide a sound basis for personalized patient care that incorporates sex-specific factors. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for further research endeavors, ensuring adequate inclusion of female participants in studies, alongside initiatives for enhanced education and training of medical personnel. A consistent acknowledgment of sex-specific aspects can contribute to an improved quality of healthcare.